Job Summary
Estate Planning Summer Associate
(Summer)
About Us: At Relational Estate & Elder Law, we help individuals and families throughout Winchester, Northern Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley protect their loved ones, preserve their assets, and plan confidently for the future. Our growing Virginia law firm focuses on estate planning, elder law, trust administration, and estate administration, providing personalized legal solutions that help clients achieve their goals and gain peace of mind.
What sets us apart is our Relational Estate Planning® approach. Rather than simply preparing legal documents, we build meaningful relationships with our clients to understand their values, concerns, and long-term objectives. As a result, we create estate plans designed not only to protect assets but also to preserve family relationships, reduce conflict, and create lasting legacies.
Additionally, we are committed to delivering compassionate guidance and exceptional client service throughout every stage of the planning process. Whether a client is creating a will, establishing a trust, planning for long-term care, or administering a loved one’s estate, our team comes alongside them with clarity, empathy, and practical legal guidance.
Description: Relational Estate & Elder Law is seeking an Estate Planning Summer Associate to join our team for Summer 2027. This paid law school internship provides hands-on experience in estate planning, elder law, trust planning, and estate administration within a growing Virginia law firm.
The Summer Associate will assist attorneys and legal staff with drafting estate planning documents, conducting legal research, participating in client meetings, and supporting the estate planning process from beginning to end. In addition, the Summer Associate will gain exposure to our unique Relational Estate Planning® methodology, helping clients protect their families, preserve their values, and plan confidently for the future.
This opportunity is ideal for a motivated law student who enjoys writing, research, client interaction, and problem-solving. Furthermore, interns will receive mentorship, professional development, and practical experience that builds a strong foundation for a future legal career in estate planning and trusts and estates law.
Location: This internship will take place at our Winchester office with possible travel to our Ashburn office. Winchester, VA offers a unique blend of small-town charm and rich history, making it an ideal place for interns seeking both professional growth and quality of life. Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Winchester boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with local shops, cafes, and cultural events, all set against a backdrop of colonial architecture and Civil War landmarks. Plus, Winchester is just close enough to Washington, D.C. for an easy day trip, perfect for enjoying the nation’s capital without the daily hustle. Nature lovers will also appreciate its proximity to stunning outdoor destinations: beautiful hikes and scenic drives in Shenandoah National Park, including the famed Skyline Drive, are just a short drive away.
What We Are Looking For: A detail-oriented, organized, and meticulous person who enjoys learning and will strive to meet our high standards for quality legal work.
Location: This internship primarily takes place at our Winchester, VA, office, but some travel to our Ashburn office may be required.
Anticipated Start Date: May 24, 2027 (negotiable)
Internship Benefits
- Pay: 1Ls: $20-$23/hour
- Pay: 2Ls: $23-$25/hour
- Experience with law-specific technology, such as Clio.
- Shadowing, mentoring, and training opportunities with our team
- Participate in client meetings and consultations
- Draft and revise legal documents such as contracts, wills, trusts, and more.
- Exposure to Relational Estate Planning®, where the goals are to help our clients protect and provide for their loved ones, avoid conflict, leave a legacy, preserve special memories, and ease burdens.
- Housing resources: We have housing information to help you relocate to Winchester for the summer.
- We provide professional development sessions to help you create your own vision statement, mission statement, and more!
Job Responsibilities
- Ensure clients move promptly through the Estate Planning Process.
- Ensure quality assurance on estate planning documents and client experience.
- Attend estate planning document review meetings.
- Manage revisions to the process for estate planning.
- Draft and/or revise estate planning documents, deeds, contracts, and/or corporate documents, as needed.
- Participate in document signings as needed.
- Shadow other team members in client meetings, client phone calls, and consultations.
- Assist other team members with keeping detailed records of meetings and other client interactions.
Requirements
- Currently attending law school as a 1L or 2L
- Familiarity with Westlaw
- Experience with Microsoft Teams
- GPA of 3.5 or higher
Necessary Skills
- Detail-oriented, organized, competent, and efficient
- Self-motivated with strong time management ability
- Resourceful with an ability to problem-solve
- Trustworthy and reliable
- Friendly and professional verbal communicator
- Ability to write clearly, concisely, and with correct grammar
- Tech-savvy and quick to learn new concepts
- Able to multi-task and handle multiple priorities
- Calm and empathetic demeanor in the face of client interactions
- Proactive and eager to assist other team members
- Excellent research and critical thinking skills
- Strong communication abilities
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite or Google platforms
- Ability to take initiative and work independently