Probate Trial Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

About Durfee Law Group

Durfee Law Group is an estate planning, probate, and trust administration firm built around a simple idea: families going through loss and transition deserve more than competent legal work — they deserve to feel cared for. Our team guides clients through some of the most sensitive moments in their lives with clarity, patience, and precision, and we hold ourselves to a standard of white glove service at every step, from the first phone call to the final distribution.

Position Summary

We are looking for a Probate Attorney who combines strong technical command of Arizona probate procedure with genuine warmth and a high-touch approach to client care. This role manages a full probate caseload from filing through closing, and serves as a steady, reassuring presence for executors, administrators, and beneficiaries — many of whom are navigating grief, family dynamics, and an unfamiliar legal process for the first time. The right attorney will be as comfortable in front of a judge as they are on the phone with a worried family member, and will treat both with the same level of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a full caseload of formal, informal, and supervised probate matters from opening through final distribution and closing.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for executors, administrators, and beneficiaries, providing clear, compassionate, and responsive communication throughout the process.
• Prepare and file all required pleadings, inventories, accountings, notices, and court documents in accordance with Arizona probate law and procedure.
• Anticipate complications before they arise — creditor claims, contested wills, disputes among heirs — and resolve them proactively and diplomatically.
• Coordinate closely with the firm's trust administration, estate planning, and paralegal teams so clients experience one seamless relationship with the firm, not a series of handoffs.
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, and, when necessary, contested probate litigation.
• Maintain meticulous case files and calendaring so that deadlines, filings, and client commitments are never at risk.
• Uphold the firm's white glove standard: prompt follow-up, plain-language explanations, and a client experience that feels personal rather than transactional.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and an active license to practice law in Arizona, or eligibility for prompt admission.
• At least three years of legal experience — any practice area, any title. We value a strong foundation and a genuine willingness to learn over a specific background. 
• Meaningful experience in probate and estate administration.
• Trial Attorney experience, with a track record of litigating contested matters in the courtroom - will contests, trust and estate disputes, or other probate litigation. 
• Working knowledge of the Arizona probate code, court procedures, and local practice.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the patience and empathy to guide clients through emotionally difficult circumstances.
• Strong organizational instincts and close attention to detail, particularly around deadlines and court filings.
• Familiarity with practice management and drafting systems such as PracticePanther and HotDocs is a plus.
• A collaborative, team-first mindset and a high degree of personal accountability.

Path to Partnership

Attorneys who thrive in this role have a clear runway for growth. After three years, attorneys become eligible to advance to Equity Equivalent Partner — receiving the compensation and title of an equity partner, without a capital buy-in.

What We Offer

Durfee Law Group offers competitive compensation, a collegial and supportive team environment, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a genuine difference for families during difficult chapters of their lives. We invest in our attorneys' professional growth and are committed to maintaining a culture where thoughtful, client-centered work is recognized and valued.

To apply, please submit a resume and complete culture index survey for consideration.

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