Trust & Estates Attorney
3 days ago
New York
Company Description Baione Law | 9/11 Claim Center specializes in representing individuals impacted by the events of September 11, including area workers, residents, students, responders, and visitors, as well as families pursuing wrongful death claims. The firm is dedicated to assisting clients with claims under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and accessing benefits from the World Trade Center Health Program. The firm provides personalized services with direct attorney communication, offering free consultations and a no-fee policy unless benefits are recovered. Key Responsibilities: • Advise clients on estate planning considerations arising from serious illness, including the preparation and execution of wills, trusts, health care proxies, powers of attorney, and advance directives, ensuring clients' affairs are in order throughout the claims process., • Represent the estates of deceased VCF-eligible individuals, including obtaining Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration in New York and/or New Jersey Surrogate's Court and filing claims on behalf of eligible estates and personal representatives., • Review and analyze VCF award determinations, identify grounds for amendment or appeal, and advocate before the Special Master's Office on behalf of clients and their estates., • Coordinate with the firm's partners, attorneys, and claim managers to ensure seamless integration of legal representation across the VCF process., • Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents including retainer agreements, letters of representation, settlement authorizations, and estate-related instruments., • Advise beneficiaries and family members on the distribution of VCF awards, including tax implications, creditor considerations, and the interplay between VCF proceeds and public benefits such as Medicaid or SSI., • Maintain current knowledge of VCF Special Master regulations, program policy updates, and relevant changes in New York estates, powers, and trusts law., • Provide compassionate, clear legal guidance to clients who are seriously ill or grieving, ensuring they fully understand their rights, options, and next steps at every stage. Compensation • $130,000-$180,000 annual salary commensurate with experience Requirements • Exceptional interpersonal and active listening skills, with a demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively with individuals who have experienced trauma or serious illness., • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with experience accurately documenting information in a case management or CRM system., • Ability to explain complex eligibility requirements in clear, compassionate, and accessible terms., • Prior experience in a client-facing telephone role, preferably in a legal, healthcare, social services, or victim advocacy setting., • Resident of NJ or NY, with ability to commute to Lower Manhattan office as needed, • J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar in good standing, • Minimum 3–5 years of experience in trusts and estates law in New York, with demonstrated experience in New York Surrogate's Court proceedings., • Working knowledge of the interplay between estate assets, public benefits programs (Medicaid, SSI), and personal injury or wrongful death recoveries. Preferences • Verbal and written fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese Work location and schedule: Monday - Friday. Primarily remote work with in-office work at our lower Manhattan office as required to meet with clients or staff. Equal Opportunity Employer Baione Law is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Baione Law strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, interns, or any other covered persons because of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, actual or perceived gender identity or expression (including status as a transgender individual), actual or perceived sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, partnership status, unemployment status, military status (including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services), genetic information, domestic violence victim status, sexual or reproductive health decision making, actual or perceived physical or mental disability, height, weight, credit history, atypical hereditary cellular or blood traits, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.