Trusts & Estates Partner Market 2026: Demand & Opportunities

Dear Patrick B.,

Market Fundamentals Point to Sustained Demand

The trusts and estates partner market heading into 2026 reflects several converging factors that suggest continued strength. The wealth transfer "silver tsunami" remains a dominant force, with baby boomers controlling substantial assets, with some estimates suggesting tens of trillions in wealth transfer potential. This generational shift isn't a one-year phenomenon—it's a decade-plus cycle that creates sustained demand for sophisticated estate planning and wealth transfer services.

Firms are positioning aggressively in this space. Am Law 100 firms have been expanding their private wealth practices, recognizing that T&E work often serves as an entry point to broader family relationships that generate corporate, real estate, and litigation work. The stickiness of these client relationships makes T&E partners particularly valuable lateral candidates.

Your Strategic Positioning Roadmap

Step 1: Assess Your Portable Foundation

Start with a realistic evaluation of your client relationships and revenue generation. Use the partner portable book calculator to quantify what you can realistically bring to a new platform. T&E practices may have deeply personal client relationships that could potentially be more portable than some other practice areas, though portability varies significantly by individual circumstances, but don't overestimate—firms will conduct thorough due diligence.

Step 2: Identify Geographic Sweet Spots

Certain markets show particularly strong demand for T&E partners. Wealth centers like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami remain competitive but offer the highest compensation. However, consider emerging markets where high-net-worth populations are growing rapidly. Texas markets (Dallas, Austin, Houston) and Florida (particularly Naples and Miami) are seeing significant wealth migration that's creating opportunities for experienced practitioners.

Step 3: Develop Your Subspecialty Angle

Generic T&E experience isn't enough in today's market. Firms are seeking partners with specific expertise: international tax planning for global families, charitable giving strategies, family office structuring, or sports and entertainment work. Digital assets and cryptocurrency estate planning is emerging as a high-value niche. Art and collectibles planning continues to grow as alternative investments become mainstream.

Navigating Tax Policy Uncertainty

The current federal estate tax exemption levels create both opportunity and urgency. Whether Congress acts to modify current exemptions or allows them to sunset as scheduled, wealthy families need sophisticated planning. This policy uncertainty actually benefits T&E practices—clients can't afford to wait and see.

State tax dynamics add another layer of complexity that drives demand for experienced counsel. States like Washington and Oregon have implemented wealth taxes, while traditional high-tax states like New York and California are seeing outmigration to states with more favorable tax regimes. This creates cross-border planning opportunities that require sophisticated legal guidance.

Platform and Compensation Considerations

Step 4: Evaluate Firm Infrastructure

T&E practices require significant support infrastructure: trust administration capabilities, tax preparation services, and coordination with investment advisory arms. Larger firms offer more comprehensive platforms but may have higher origination expectations. Mid-size firms might offer better economics on existing relationships but less cross-selling support.

Step 5: Structure Your Economics

T&E partner compensation varies significantly by market and firm size. Major market Am Law 100 firms may offer substantial guaranteed compensation packages for proven partners, though figures vary significantly based on book of business and market conditions, while regional firms might offer better percentage economics on originated business. Consider your preference for guaranteed compensation versus upside potential based on your risk tolerance and client base stability.

Timing Your Move

Step 6: Plan Your Timeline

If you're considering a move, the current market timing is favorable. Some firms appear to be actively building or expanding T&E capabilities rather than waiting for organic growth. This creates leverage for experienced laterals. However, be prepared for thorough vetting—firms want evidence of sustainable client relationships, not one-time transaction work.

Consider seasonality in your planning. T&E work often intensifies in Q4 as clients address year-end planning, making early year moves potentially less disruptive to client service. Use bar reciprocity requirements as a planning factor—check the bar reciprocity tool early if you're considering cross-jurisdictional moves, though requirements change frequently and you should verify current rules with relevant state bars.

The 2026 Outlook

Looking ahead, several trends support continued strength in the T&E lateral market. Family offices continue proliferating, creating demand for sophisticated legal services. ESG and impact investing considerations are becoming standard components of wealth planning. International families navigating U.S. tax compliance create ongoing demand for specialized expertise.

The integration of technology in estate planning—digital estate management, virtual family office services, and automated trust administration—means firms need partners who can blend traditional expertise with modern service delivery. This technological evolution favors laterals who bring both established practices and innovative approaches to client service.