Estate Planning and Probate Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Location : Apple Valley, MN (Twin Cities South Metro)

Job Type : Full-time, exempt

Practice Areas : Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate Administration & Litigation, Guardianships / Conservatorships, Elder Law

About Us

Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. is a well-established south-metro firm providing big-firm capabilities with small-firm accessibility. We're celebrating our 40th Anniversary next year! From our Apple Valley office, we serve clients across Minnesota with responsive, high-value representation.

Job Summary

We’re seeking an associate with 3–5+ years of focused experience in estate planning and probate to join a collaborative team that handles everything from foundational plans (wills, POAs, health care directives) to complex trust work and contested probate matters. You’ll manage your own files with partner support, meet directly with clients, and help refine our client-friendly processes.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct initial client meetings, gather facts, and recommend planning options.
• Draft wills, trusts, POAs, health care directives, deeds, and related documents.
• Administer estates and trusts; prepare pleadings and filings for probate and trust matters.
• Handle contested issues (as experience allows) : will contests, fiduciary disputes, accounting issues.
• Communicate clearly with clients, opposing counsel, and courts; manage deadlines and billing.
• Contribute to practice development (articles, seminars, client education).

What You Bring

3–5+ years of experience in estate planning and probate (Minnesota practice preferred).

Strong drafting skills; comfort with client counseling and option-framing.

Familiarity with Minnesota probate procedures and trust administration.

Excellent organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.

Active Minnesota bar license.

Nice to Have

Contested probate / trust litigation exposure.

Real estate / title experience for funding and non-probate transfers.

Elder law / guardianship-conservatorship experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package and CLE / bar dues support.

Direct client contact, and meaningful responsibility.

Free parking, south-metro convenience; collaborative team culture.

How to Apply

Apply with :

Resume

Brief cover letter describing relevant experience and client-facing strengths

1 writing sample (estate-planning or probate related, de-identified)