Trust and Estate Litigation Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Trust & Estate Litigation Associate

Compensation: $195,000+ annually, DOE
Location: Orinda, California | Full-Time | Hybrid or Remote May Be Considered

Do You Take Ownership of Your Work?

Do you anticipate problems, exercise sound judgment, and take pride in exceptional legal work? Do you believe deadlines are commitments, preparation is non-negotiable, and clients deserve honest advice—even when conversations are difficult?

If so, you may be the attorney we're looking for.

Burrey Law Group, Inc. is a boutique California law firm focused on Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, and Trust & Estate Litigation.

We seek a litigation associate with hands-on California trust and estate litigation experience who can work closely with our litigation attorneys, contribute immediately, and manage assigned work with minimal training.

Our standard is simple: Do it right the first time. We value attorneys who take ownership, exercise sound judgment, communicate proactively, and deliver results.

Who Succeeds at Burrey Law Group?

The attorneys who thrive here demonstrate:

• Integrity & Stewardship: Protect client interests and confidences while exercising ethical judgment.

• Ownership & Follow-Through: Take responsibility, honor commitments, and close loops without reminders.

• Sound Judgment: Evaluate risks, identify solutions, and know when to seek guidance.

• Organization & Planning: Manage deadlines, priorities, and responsibilities effectively.

• Attention to Detail & High Standards: Produce accurate, well-researched, persuasive legal work.

• Proactivity: Anticipate needs and address problems before they escalate.

• Communication: Keep clients and colleagues informed with clarity and professionalism.

• Teamwork & Coachability: Collaborate, accept feedback, and continuously improve.

• Persistence Under Pressure: Remain composed and effective during challenging litigation.

What You'll Own

• Work closely with our litigation attorney to advance contested trust, probate, estate, and fiduciary matters.

• Handle assigned work involving trust and will contests, fiduciary disputes, accountings, trustee removal, elder financial abuse, and inheritance disputes.

• Research legal issues, analyze evidence, and contribute to litigation strategy.

• Draft petitions, motions, briefs, discovery, and settlement documents.

• Manage discovery, prepare for depositions, and assist with mediation and negotiations.

• Prepare for and attend hearings, conferences, and trials.

• Own assigned deadlines, client communication, and timely billing.

• Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to keep matters progressing.

What You'll Bring

• Juris Doctor and active California State Bar membership in good standing.

• At least four years of litigation experience, including hands-on California trust and estate litigation.

• Working knowledge of California probate procedures, trust disputes, and fiduciary litigation.

• Experience drafting petitions, motions, discovery, and other litigation documents.

• Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and client communication skills.

• Ability to manage assigned litigation work with minimal training and appropriate supervision.

• Excellent judgment, organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.

What Success Looks Like

You deliver accurate, timely work, anticipate what needs to be done, and manage responsibilities without constant reminders. You seek guidance when appropriate, help move cases forward, and become a dependable resource to the litigation attorney.

Work Environment

Full-time position based in Orinda, California. Hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered based on experience, ability to work independently, and Firm needs.

Apply

If you read this posting and thought, "That's exactly how I work," we want to hear from you.

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your litigation experience and why you're a strong fit for Burrey Law Group.