Associate Attorney

Position: Associate Attorney – Trust & Estate Litigation

Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid/In-Office)

Firm: Van Dyke & Associates, APLC

About Us

Van Dyke & Associates is a boutique law firm focused exclusively on trust, estate, and probate litigation. We represent trustees, beneficiaries, and fiduciaries in complex disputes involving high-value estates, contested trust amendments, elder financial abuse, fiduciary accounting disputes, and related civil claims. Our cases are high-stakes and fact-intensive, requiring strategic thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and strong advocacy skills.

Position Summary

We’re hiring a junior–mid level Associate Attorney ( 1–3 years litigation experience) to support our probate, trust, and estate litigation practice. You’ll draft high-quality pleadings and motions, handle discovery, appear in court, and work closely with partners on strategy—while building toward bigger responsibilities like taking depositions and arguing dispositive motions.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft petitions, oppositions, discovery requests/responses, meet-and-confer letters, and motion papers.
• Manage day-to-day discovery (written discovery, subpoenas, document review, privilege logs).
• Research nuanced probate, trust, fiduciary duty, and civil-procedure issues; prepare memos and briefs.
• Prepare for and attend hearings, mediations, case management conferences, and settlement meetings.
• Assist with depositions (outlines, exhibits, summaries) and begin to take/defend depositions with supervision.
• Help organize trial prep (witness lists, exhibit lists, jury instructions, trial briefs).
• Collaborate with partners and clients; maintain proactive communication on deadlines and case status.
• Coordinate tasks with paralegals and law clerks (no formal supervisory duties required).

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school; active California Bar in good standing.
• 1-3 years of litigation experience (trust & estate litigation preferred; civil/business litigation with transferable skills welcomed).
• Strong writing and research skills; crisp, organized drafting.
• Solid grasp of California discovery and motion practice; eagerness to argue motions and take depositions with mentorship.
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
• Tech-forward: Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and case-management software (Clio a plus).

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to probate/trust matters (e.g., Probate Code § 850 and § 17200 petitions, financial elder abuse claims).
• Work on high-net-worth estate disputes, fiduciary duty/accounting issues, or related complex civil litigation.
• Prior courtroom appearances; any deposition experience is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $130,000 – $165,000 DOE.
• Performance-based bonus potential.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• CLE and professional development support.

How to Apply

Email your cover letter, resume, and a recent writing sample (motion or brief preferred) to jstigliano@vdalaw.comwith the subject line: Associate Attorney Application – [Your Name].

We value teammates who are curious, collaborative, and meticulous—and who want hands-on experience in sophisticated trust & estate litigation with direct partner mentorship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person