Estate Planning Attorney

Gaw Estate Planning, located in Napa, California, is seeking a Full-Time Estate Planning Attorney to join our team with a minimum of seven years of experience. Our boutique estate planning law firm of three attorneys is committed to providing personalized legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client. This is not a volume-driven shop – it’s a deliberate, intellectually rigorous environment where quality of teamwork and mentorship matter. You’ll collaborate directly with Dave Gaw, recognized statewide for his teaching and authorship of four Chapters of the CEB Trust Administration Practice Guide and two 100+ page CEB Action Guides widely used by trust administration professionals. Dave is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California and as a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and an active member of the Napa Valley community.

Role Description:

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Napa, California.

The Estate Planning Attorney will:

• Handle day-to-day tasks related to estate planning, estate law, probate, estate administration, and succession planning.
• Draft sophisticated trust instruments such as SLATs and IDGTs for clients throughout the state.
• Be directly involved strategy and client meetings, business development, and fostering relationships with existing and new clients immediately.
• Engage in creating basic estate plans as well as customizing plans with high-net-worth individuals and families, providing a high level of service and expertise.

Why Join Gaw Estate Planning?

• Direct Client Engagement: Work with an extraordinary range of clients, from high-net-worth individuals with complex estates to individuals and families with basic estates
• Mentorship: Work at a firm with a stellar reputation and receive guidance from a pioneer in the field.
• Community Connection: Be part of the Napa Valley community and attend local events.
• High-End, Personalized Service: Contribute to a firm known for its attention to detail, high-touch services, and focus on customized estate planning solutions.
• Professional Growth: A collaborative environment that values teamwork, personal development, and professional excellence.
• Office Environment: Work in a tight knit community with an emphasis on work-life balance, embracing systems and processes as well as the latest innovations in legal technology to improve efficiency, insight, and collaboration across the firm.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school with California Bar license.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in estate planning, estate law, probate, gift and estate tax, and estate administration.
• Commitment to living in or near Napa Valley and actively engaging in the local community.

Compensation and Billable Requirement:

Compensation salary of $170,000 plus bonuses based upon performance. Benefits include a simple IRA with limited matching, medical benefits, supplemental dental, life and disability, vacation, sick leave, and reimbursement for continuing education. Requirement of 1500 billable hours per year.

Please DO NOT contact the firm office directly and we are NOT interested in speaking with recruiters.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person