Trust and Estate Litigation Associate

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Trust and Estate Litigation Associate

Pay: $195,000.00 - $230,000.00 per year

Job description

Position Summary:

Burrey Law Group is seeking an experienced Trust & Estate Litigation Associate to join our California trust and estate practice. The attorney will represent beneficiaries, trustees, executors, administrators, fiduciaries, heirs, and other interested parties in contested trust, probate, estate, conservatorship, and related matters.

The ideal candidate has strong California litigation experience, excellent legal research and writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to independently manage cases while providing responsive and compassionate client service.

The Trust & Estate Litigation Associate will also focus a portion of their practice on the Firm’s trusts and estates administration and probate cases. The ideal candidate will have the technical ability to handle sophisticated administration cases, the judgment to advise clients directly, and the capacity to help with day-to-day legal work within the trust and estate administration division.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation 70% focus:

• Manage trust, estate, and probate litigation matters from initial consultation through resolution, settlement, or trial.
• Represent clients in trust contests, will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, accounting disputes, trustee removal and surcharge proceedings, beneficiary disputes, elder financial abuse claims, inheritance disputes, and related probate matters.
• Analyze trusts, wills, amendments, estate planning documents, accountings, financial records, medical records, correspondence, and other evidence.
• Draft petitions, objections, responses, motions, briefs, discovery, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions and participate in written discovery.
• Prepare for and appear at probate hearings, evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Develop case strategy and provide clients with practical assessments of litigation risks, options, costs, and potential resolutions.
• Negotiate settlements and participate effectively in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct legal research involving the California Probate Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Evidence Code, Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, and applicable case law.
• Work with forensic accountants, appraisers, medical professionals, financial advisors, expert witnesses, and other professionals as appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case developments, deadlines, strategy, and expectations.
• Manage litigation deadlines, discovery schedules, court filings, and case calendars.
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and other members of the firm.
• Maintain accurate and timely billing and case-management records.
• Comply with all applicable California Rules of Professional Conduct and firm policies.

Trust Administration and Probate 30% focus:

• Advise clients on trust administration, probate, conservatorship, and related fiduciary matters.
• Draft and review petitions and related legal documents.
• Manage trust administrations from initial post-death consultation through final distribution.
• Handle probate matters, including petitions, notices, court filings, and hearings.
• Counsel fiduciaries regarding duties, administration strategy, timelines, and legal risk.
• Represent clients in court appearances related to probate, trust, and administration matters.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on trusts and estates issues
• Maintain strong client communication and a high standard of professionalism throughout each matter.

Qualifications

Required:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• 4 years of experience in trust and estate litigation, trust administration, probate, or a combination of those areas
• Ability to independently manage matters from intake through resolution
• Strong drafting, client counseling, and case management skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in an onsite, team-oriented law firm environment

Preferred:

• Experience handling post-death administration matters
• Experience with conservatorships or guardianships
• Courtroom experience in probate or related proceedings
• California Certified Specialist in Trust & Probate Law, or interest in pursuing that path

Compensation and Benefits:

• $195,000-$230,000 per year, plus performance-based bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution after eligibility requirements are met
• Paid vacation, PTO, and firm holidays
• Professional development assistance
• Free parking

Why Join Burrey Law Group:

• Meaningful responsibility and direct client impact
• Paralegal and administrative support
• Professional, collaborative, and accountable work environment
• High standards with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and client service

Work Environment:

• Full-time, onsite position based in Orinda, California
• Monday through Friday
• Regular business hours
• Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available for this role
• Technology stack includes Smokeball, Lawmatics, Microsoft 365, Westlaw

Benefits:

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

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

• Litigation: 4 years (Required)
• Trust and Estate administration, probate: 4 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• California State Bar license (Required)

Work Location: In person