Wealth Planning Attorney
About the job
- A Juris Doctor from an accredited program is required.
- At least 10 years of estate and business planning experience is required.
- Extensive direct experience with high-net-worth clients in advanced estate and business planning and tax planning is required.
- Deep expertise in tax optimization, estate and business succession, and wealth transfer strategies is required.
- A FINRA Series 6 or 7 license and a state insurance license must be obtained within the first six months of hire.
- Strong analytical capabilities, disciplined follow-through, and sound prioritization are required.
- The role requires the ability to collaborate effectively with other professionals.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required, including the ability to translate complex planning concepts into clear, client-friendly, actionable guidance.
- The role requires the ability to build trust and credibility with financial advisors and contribute as a collaborative, solutions-oriented team member.
- The role requires executive presence and the ability to influence advisors, clients, and stakeholders through credibility, clarity, sound judgment, and practical planning recommendations.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft software, especially PowerPoint, and experience using planning software, workflow tools, research platforms, and artificial intelligence-enabled tools are required.
- Collaborate with attorneys, certified financial planners, certified public accountants, and wealth management advisors to create comprehensive plans and deliver thought leadership, planning education, and targeted consultation to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, emphasizing estate planning, wealth transfer, business succession, tax mitigation, and executive compensation strategies.
- Assess client financial circumstances, objectives, and planning priorities to identify opportunities, develop targeted strategies, frame practical recommendations, and support confident decision-making.
- Evaluate and position planning solutions consistent with the company's integrated approach to investments and life insurance.
- Lead advisor and client presentations, using executive presence and credibility to influence and educate audiences and enable informed planning decisions.
- Engage with clients' outside legal and tax advisors to promote alignment, clarity, and coordinated execution of planning objectives.
- Assess and respond to advanced planning questions, exercising discretion and professional judgment to address nuanced client and advisor needs.
- Manage workflow and deliver high-quality analyses and consultation according to established service-level expectations.
- Build and use cross-functional relationships to address complex client circumstances in the high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth marketplace and support coordinated delivery of planning guidance.
- An additional advanced degree or designation, such as a Certified Financial Planner credential, Certified Public Accountant credential, or Master of Laws, is preferred.
- Consulting: Connect with stakeholders to understand their needs, communicate intent, solicit customer requirements, apply domain knowledge, and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to resolve problems.
- Customer centricity: Apply a customer-first mindset to design and continuously improve solutions, systems, processes, and services that support enterprise strategy and business outcomes.
- Interpersonal savvy: Build rapport and constructive relationships with people inside and outside the organization; use diplomacy and tact and comfortably defuse high-tension situations.
- Learning agility and critical thinking: Continuously learn in relevant fields, methods, and technologies; use critical thinking to identify opportunities, execute solutions, measure impact, and improve practices and processes based on feedback, lessons learned, and market trends.
- Project management: Deliver projects in alignment with business requirements, success criteria, and stakeholder expectations while managing cost and time considerations.
- A desire to mentor others is a plus.
About the company
Northwestern Mutual provides financial planning, insurance, and investment services as a mutual company owned by policyholders. It offers life, disability, and long-term care insurance plus investment products and wealth management, with financial advisors crafting personalized plans for retirement, estate, and wealth goals. The company differentiates itself through policyholder ownership that aligns interests with clients and a focus on long-term advisory relationships beyond insurance. Its goal is to help clients achieve financial security and growth through a long-term financial partnership.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Founded
1856
Get referred to Northwestern Mutual
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 2026 childhood-cancer giving reached $75 million, strengthening brand trust and loyalty.
- Northwestern Mutual plans a $500 million North Office Building investment in Milwaukee.
- The 2026 $9.2 billion dividend payout supports retention across core insurance products.
What critics are saying
- The July 29, 2026 Connecticut lawsuit alleges harassment, disability bias, and retaliation.
- Advisor-driven distribution faces churn if top producers defect to independent brokerages.
- A severe claims or reserve shock would threaten ratings, dividends, and mutual credibility.
What makes Northwestern Mutual unique
- Mutual ownership and $9.2 billion 2026 dividends align policyholders with management.
- Thirty-five consecutive years of top ratings from A.M. Best, Fitch, Moody's, S&P.
- Over 8,000 advisors bundle insurance, investments, trust, and wealth services.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Growing your Career
Compensation & Time Off
Insurance plans
Health Savings Account
Wellness programs & resources
401(k) plan and cash balance contributions
Company News
Northwestern Mutual's Foundation has reached $75 million in total donations to advance childhood cancer treatments and cures since 2012. The company announced a new $100,000 investment for Children's Wisconsin MACC Fund Center in Milwaukee, with more hospitals to be named in 2027. The funding will support families facing financial challenges and expand professional development for hospital staff. It also includes the inaugural Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Healthcare Hero Award, presented to nurse Katy Tomlinson. During September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Northwestern Mutual is donating $100 to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for each new financial plan delivered, up to $2 million. The company's partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers has raised over half a million dollars for childhood cancer research. Since 2012, the Foundation has funded more than 860,000 hours of research and supported over 370 students through scholarships.
Northwestern Mutual's chief executive officer Tim Gerend has been named the seventh highest-rated CEO in America by Glassdoor. The recognition is based entirely on anonymous feedback from employees and financial advisors who rated their approval of how Gerend leads the company. Gerend became chairman, president and CEO in 2025. Under his leadership, Northwestern Mutual recently announced record business performance, including new highs for revenue, surplus position and annual dividends paid to policyowners. The company serves more than five million clients and holds $2.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force. It manages more than $450 billion in client assets through its retail investments business, ranking among the top five independent broker-dealers in the US.
Financial pressures are forcing many young Americans to postpone or abandon major life milestones, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study. Nearly three in four Gen Z adults and more than half of Millennials have delayed at least one significant milestone due to financial challenges. The impact is particularly acute for homeownership and family planning. Thirty-one per cent of Gen Z respondents have postponed buying a house, whilst 24% have delayed having children. Among those who have become parents, over 70% spend as much or more on their children monthly as they do on housing. Artificial intelligence is adding to concerns, with 46% of Gen Z and 32% of Millennials pessimistic about its impact on their careers. Despite these challenges, younger generations are responding proactively. Gen Z and Millennials started saving for retirement at ages 22 and 28 respectively, years earlier than previous generations, and seek professional financial guidance at higher rates.
Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study reveals that 60% of Americans consider poor money habits a dealbreaker in new relationships. Excessive gambling and risk-taking rank as the top financial red flag, followed by hiding purchases and high credit card debt. Among Gen Z couples, 41% report money arguments are seriously straining their relationships. Financial compatibility has emerged as more important than emotional chemistry, physical attraction, or shared interests for maintaining successful long-term relationships. Single Americans seeking partners who earn money expect an average income of $139,000 annually, with women's expectations ($172,000) significantly exceeding men's ($101,000). Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe couples should discuss finances well before marriage or cohabitation, though 19% of married couples delayed these conversations until after major milestones. The survey included 4,375 US adults, conducted online between 5–21 January 2026.
Sixty percent of Americans consider poor money habits a dealbreaker in new relationships, with excessive gambling and risk-taking ranking as the top financial red flag, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study. Financial stress particularly affects younger couples, with 41% of Gen Z pairs reporting money arguments strain their relationships. Among single Americans who value partner income, ideal earnings average $139,000 annually, though expectations differ sharply by gender: women prefer partners earning $172,000 whilst men seek $101,000. Couples in serious relationships prioritise financial compatibility over emotional chemistry, physical attraction, and shared interests. Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe financial discussions should occur well before marriage or cohabitation, though 19% of married couples delayed these conversations until after major milestones. The study surveyed 4,375 US adults aged 18 and older between January 5 and January 21, 2026.