Associate Attorney (Estate Planning)

Position Overview

Yim & Yempuku is seeking a thoughtful, client-focused Associate Attorney to join our estate planning practice. This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys working directly with individuals and families, guiding clients through important life and legacy planning matters with clarity, professionalism, and compassion.

The Associate Attorney will meet directly with clients, design and implement customized estate plans, and advise on real property and ownership structures unique to Hawaiʻi. The role includes collaboration with managing and senior partners on planning strategy, complex legal issues, and long-term client relationships.

This is a meaningful, relationship-driven opportunity to develop both technical legal and client advisory skills while helping Hawaiʻi families preserve assets, relationships, and multigenerational legacies. There is also opportunity to gain exposure to trust administration, probate, and post-death planning matters as part of continued professional development within the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet directly with clients to advise on estate planning matters, including legacy planning, incapacity planning, and asset structuring
• Design and implement customized estate plans, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives
• Advise clients on real property ownership structures and Hawaiʻi-specific title and conveyancing considerations
• Draft, review, and finalize estate planning documents and related real property instruments, including deeds and conveyancing documents
• Coordinate Hawaiʻi-specific recording and title matters involving the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court systems
• Collaborate closely with managing and senior partners on planning strategies, client matters, and long-term client relationships

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in Hawaiʻi/admission to the Hawaii Bar Association
• 1–3 years of legal experience in a law firm or legal setting
• Strong legal knowledge and interest in estate planning or elder law, with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and a professional client-facing demeanor
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters discreetly and proficiency in Microsoft Office and general legal technology platforms

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Comfortable leading client meetings independently and explaining complex legal concepts in a clear, approachable, and professional manner
• Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple active matters in a fast-paced environment
• Thoughtful communicator with strong emotional intelligence and an interest in relationship-centered estate planning and multigenerational family dynamics

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person