Trusts & Estates Counsel

The Opportunity

The Trusts and Estates Counsel will serve as a key legal advisor within a dynamic, high‑performing legal team supporting a sophisticated family office. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of estate plans and trusts for affiliated individuals. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in trust and estate law, a strong command of related tax and financial concepts, and a collaborative mindset.

In addition to core subject‑matter responsibilities, the Counsel will contribute meaningfully to a broad range of legal matters reflecting the diverse needs of the family office.

At RDV, we are intentional about enriching our culture and employee experiences through a unique blend of benefit offerings that include:

• Robust health insurance options with competitive employer contributions.
• 401k retirement plan with a generous employer match of up to 7.5%.
• Grab and Go Deli/Market with employer‑provided account credit of $650/year.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) starting at 22 days per year in addition to paid holidays.
• Fun culinary experiences and connecting with co‑workers at monthly catered lunches, free of charge to employees.
• Employer paid parking in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
• Education and training reimbursement programs.
• Discounted memberships to MVP Sportsplex.

• Design and implement comprehensive estate plans, in collaboration with family office leadership, tailored to the long‑term financial and personal objectives of affiliated individuals.
• Ensure estate plans are proactively maintained and updated to reflect evolving needs of each individual.
• Oversee and direct outside legal counsel and work with the Associate Director of Trusts and Estates in the review and revision of estate planning documents.
• Provide strategic legal oversight for the governance and operations of a Private Trust Company.
• Administer family trusts in conjunction with the Associate Director of Trusts and Estates and other advisors, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with fiduciary obligations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to enhance and improve trust reporting and communication with beneficiaries.
• Draft shareholder and ownership agreements aligned with long‑term governance and succession planning objectives.
• Provide legal counsel on a wide array of matters typical of an in‑house family office legal department, including corporate, real estate, employment, litigation management, and personal legal affairs, as needed.

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Minimum of 7 years with 10+ years of experience preferred in trusts and estates law, preferably with exposure to family office environments.
• Deep expertise in estate and gift tax laws, including generation‑skipping transfer tax and valuation issues.
• Proficiency in legal and tax matters related to private foundations, charitable trusts, and donor‑advised funds.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across disciplines and with affiliated individuals, advisors, and external counsel.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary legal team, contributing to a collaborative and collegial environment.
• Flexibility and enthusiasm for engaging in legal matters beyond trusts and estates, with a service‑oriented mindset and willingness to support colleagues on time‑sensitive and high‑priority issues.
• Intellectual agility and curiosity, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development across diverse legal domains.
• Proven track record of managing complex legal issues with a pragmatic, solutions‑oriented approach aligned with the values and objectives of a family office.
• Experience mentoring junior financial or legal professionals, fostering growth and knowledge‑sharing within the team.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex legal and financial information.