Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Attorney Position

Youngman Roberts Suen, LLP, a Walnut Creek law firm, seeks a motivated full-time Associate Attorney to join our practice in trust and estate planning and administration, tax, trust litigation, and business law. Recent graduates and newly admitted attorneys are welcome to apply; prior experience in tax, trusts and estates, or litigation is a plus.

The Associate will work primarily with and report to one supervising attorney, who will provide training, assignments, and ongoing guidance. We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, reliable, inquisitive, and eager to develop into an attorney capable of independently managing client matters. As the Associate develops, they will be given increasing responsibility and ultimately be expected to take ownership of their own caseload, with the supervising attorney available for consultation and guidance.

The Associate should be prepared to work in person at our Walnut Creek office. Depending on qualifications, experience, and individual circumstances, a hybrid arrangement may be available.

Responsibilities:

• Manage assigned matters from start to finish, including tracking deadlines, following up with clients and opposing counsel, and keeping matters moving forward
• Draft estate planning documents, including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and related instruments
• Assist with trust and estate administration and probate matters
• Research and analyze legal issues, including tax questions, and prepare memoranda and analysis for attorney review
• Draft pleadings, motions, petitions, and discovery in trust and estate litigation and other contested matters
• Assist with tax matters and the preparation of tax returns
• Attend client meetings and communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and other parties
• Appear at hearings and other court proceedings as appropriate
• Work both independently and collaboratively with attorneys and staff to complete projects and advance client matters

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active member of the California State Bar, newly admitted attorney, or recent graduate awaiting California Bar results
• 0–3 years of legal experience; experience in tax, trusts and estates, or litigation is a plus
• LL.M. in Taxation or coursework in tax or trusts and estates is a plus, but not required
• Willingness to learn tax return preparation and assist with tax matters
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Strong organizational and case-management skills
• Reliable follow-through and demonstrated ability to take ownership of assignments and see matters through to completion without repeated prompting
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Clio is a plus; willingness to learn required

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Benefits available after a short introductory period

Compensation:

• $100,000–$115,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
• Discretionary bonuses