Trusts & Estates Litigation Associate

Seeking a full-time Trusts & Estates (T&E) Litigation Associate with a minimum of 4 years of experience. We will also consider senior-level candidates, including potential shareholder applicants with a portable book of business.

Our T&E Practice is widely recognized for its depth of experience in both Trusts & Estates litigation and administration matters. Our attorneys have experience litigating a wide range of disputes, including challenging and defending the validity of wills and trusts, seeking and defending fiduciary removal, breach of fiduciary duty claims, elder financial abuse claims, conservatorships, and other contested and uncontested matters involving the administration of trusts and estates. We are also highly experienced in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. In addition to litigation, our Firm is also well-recognized for its probate, trust, and conservatorship administration services, representing beneficiaries, executors, corporate, and individual trustees, as well as licensed professional fiduciaries. Our estate planners have extensive experience with designing and implementing sophisticated estate, valuation, and philanthropic planning techniques and work with clients to integrate their business succession planning and retirement planning. This role is primarily focused on trusts and estates litigation, with the opportunity to work collaboratively with our estate planning colleagues on matters where litigation and planning intersect.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Litigate a broad range of trusts and estates disputes, including but not limited to will and trust contests, fiduciary removal, breach of fiduciary duty, elder financial abuse, conservatorships, and administration matters.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal correspondence.
• Handle court appearances, mediations, settlement conferences, trials, and arbitrations.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies tailored to each case.
• Conduct legal research and apply findings to case development.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, court staff, and witnesses.
• Manage caseloads and deadlines independently while meeting billable requirements.
• Collaborate with estate planning colleagues on matters intersecting with litigation, such as valuations, succession, and retirement planning.
• Provide clear, strategic advice to clients navigating complex fiduciary and financial issues.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the T&E practice.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in the California Bar.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in trusts and estates litigation.
• Strong legal analysis, research, and writing skills.
• Skilled in client counseling, litigation strategy, and courtroom advocacy.
• Excellent drafting, organizational, and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently.
• Commitment to providing exceptional client service and developing lasting client relationships.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $170,000.00 - $202,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Trusts and estates: 4 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person