Probate and Guardianship Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Attorney - Probate, Guardianship & Estate Planning

Location: Fort Worth, Texas (In-Office)
Position Type: Full-Time

About the Firm

Solo practice attorney located near downtown Fort Worth with focus on probate, guardianship, fiduciary representation, and estate planning. Practice serves individuals, families, administrators, executors, guardians, trustees, and professional fiduciaries throughout North Texas.

We are seeking an Associate Attorney who is interested in building a long-term career in probate and estate administration. This position is ideal for a recent law school graduate seeking mentorship and hands-on courtroom experience, but we also welcome applications from attorneys with several years of experience who are looking to transition into probate and guardianship law.

Position Overview

The Associate Attorney will work directly with the firm's principal attorney on a wide range of probate, guardianship, and estate planning matters. The successful candidate can expect substantial client contact, meaningful responsibility from the outset, and regular opportunities to appear in court.

This position is primarily office-based in Fort Worth and requires travel to courts and proceedings throughout surrounding counties and other jurisdictions beyond Tarrant County as needed.

Responsibilities

• Handle probate administration matters from initial filing through case closure.
• Represent executors, administrators, guardians, wards, and professional fiduciaries in court proceedings.
• Assist with contested and uncontested probate and guardianship matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions, applications, orders, correspondence, and legal memoranda.
• Prepare and review inventories, accountings, annual reports, and related fiduciary filings.
• Meet with clients, gather facts, and provide legal guidance under attorney supervision as appropriate.
• Attend hearings, status conferences, and other court appearances.
• Draft basic estate planning documents, including wills, powers of attorney, medical directives, and related instruments.
• Conduct legal research and analyze legal issues involving probate, guardianship, fiduciary duties, and estate planning.
• Collaborate with court staff, opposing counsel, fiduciaries, and other professionals involved in estate and guardianship matters.

Qualifications

Required:

• J.D. from an accredited law school by December 2026
• Licensed to practice in Texas or awaiting Texas Bar exam results with an expected admission date, or expecting to sit for February Bar exam
• Strong legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor and strong client-service orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel for court appearances.

Preferred:

• Experience through internships, clerkships, clinics, or prior employment involving probate, estate planning, guardianship, litigation, or elder law.
• Familiarity with Texas probate procedures and court practices.
• Interest in developing a long-term practice focused on probate and fiduciary matters.

What We Offer

• Direct mentorship from an experienced probate practitioner.
• Significant courtroom and client-facing experience.
• Opportunity to develop a specialized and in-demand legal practice.
• Collegial and supportive work environment.
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.