Estate & Trust Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Our Probate & Trust Litigation Attorney is responsible for handling uncontested & contested probate and trust matters, advising clients on fiduciary disputes, and representing beneficiaries, trustees, and executors in litigation proceedings. This role requires strategic case management and the ability to independently manage complex matters while collaborating with the firm’s attorneys and paralegals.

Send a cover letter to apply and why you would be a great fit for this position.

$126,000 - $150,000 yearly

• Collaborate with senior partners and paralegals to effectively move files through the civil litigation process
• Communicate with clients about plans for dispersing their assets
• Help solve legal problems for clients through analyzing the situation, understanding their needs, and creating a strategic plan of action
• Draft and file wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
• Attend court proceedings as needed to represent clients

• Represent clients in probate and trust litigation matters, including will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and trust modifications

• Draft pleadings, motions, legal memoranda, and discovery requests/responses

• Conduct legal research and analyze complex factual and legal issues

• Participate in mediations and court hearings

• Collaborate with clients, experts, and opposing counsel to advance case strategy

• Maintain timely communication with clients and provide legal advice throughout the process

• Manage deadlines and case files with attention to detail and strategic thinking

Litigation (Primary Focus)

• Handle all aspects of probate and trust litigation cases from inception through resolution

• Analyze wills, trusts, and estate planning documents to identify legal issues and claims

• Draft pleadings, petitions, motions, and discovery (including interrogatories, requests for production, etc.)

• Appear in court for hearings, case management conferences, and trials

• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies

• Manage discovery, depositions, and settlement negotiations

• Advise clients on fiduciary duties, breaches, undue influence, and elder abuse claims

Probate & Trust Oversight (As Needed)

• Oversee probate and trust administration handled by paralegals, stepping in on complex matters

• Review probate filings from petition through final distribution

• Ensure compliance with court procedures and deadlines

• Assist with resolving disputes arising during administration

Client Management

• Communicate directly with clients, beneficiaries, trustees, and opposing counsel

• Provide legal advice and case updates in a clear, compassionate, and strategic manner

• Gather and analyze financial and case-related documents
  

Firm Contribution

• Collaborate with internal team (attorneys, paralegals, client services)

• Support firm growth through client relationship management and reputation building

• Maintain accurate timekeeping and case files

• Candidates should be great communicators, specifically in situations when emotions and stress are high
• Bachelor’s degree with a legal background and J.D. degree are required
• Working knowledge of title insurance, wills, trusts, property management, and residential and commercial real estate law, including litigation

• Active member of the California State Bar
• Minimum 3+ years of probate or trust litigation experience (or strong litigation background)
• Experience handling court appearances independently
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines

We are a collaborative team of professionals. We work hard, and we play together too! It's a friendly office where we trust each other and value a work-life balance. We support personal and career development and also have quarterly team-building events.

Your experience and/or desire to work in the areas of Estate Planning, Special Needs, Conservatorships, Trust Administration, Probate and Trust Litigation will add value to our team. We leverage technology and are looking for someone comfortable with Microsoft Office and various legal programs. You will have a strong work ethic, be highly organized, and have exceptional client relationship skills.