Senior Estate Planning Attorney

About the Role

This is a senior-level succession hire within the estate planning practice group of a stable, collegial mid-size law firm in Los Angeles. You will step directly into an existing book of high-net-worth client relationships transitioning from a retiring shareholder, with a clear and demonstrated path to shareholder yourself. The role is as much about relationship stewardship as it is legal expertise.

What You'll Do

• Take ownership of transitioning client relationships from a retiring shareholder, ensuring continuity of trust and service quality.

• Handle sophisticated estate planning matters including complex trust structures, high-net-worth estate and gift tax planning, and advanced wealth transfer strategies.

• Advise clients directly on trust and estate administration, business succession planning, and California property tax issues.

• Draft advanced estate planning documents and manage ongoing client advisory relationships independently.

• Mentor and develop junior associates within the estate planning practice group.

• Collaborate with senior attorneys and firm leadership to grow and strengthen the practice area.

What We're Looking For

• JD from an accredited law school with active California State Bar membership (required).

• 10–20 years of experience in sophisticated trust and estate planning at the senior associate, counsel, or shareholder level.

• Demonstrated experience with complex trust structure drafting and estate and gift tax planning strategies.

• Direct client advisory experience managing relationships for high-net-worth individuals.

• Knowledge of California property tax issues and their estate planning implications.

• Experience with trust administration and business succession planning.

• Background at a mid-size or large full-service law firm is a strong plus.

• Experience mentoring or supervising junior associates.

• LLM in Taxation preferred but not required.

• Proficiency with legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and standard office productivity tools.

• Currently located in the greater Los Angeles area strongly preferred; relocation considered for exceptional candidates.

• No visa sponsorship available.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $200,000 – $350,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

• 401(k) with profit-sharing contribution (firm-contributed regardless of employee contribution).

• Manageable billable hour expectations relative to large firm standards.

• No visa sponsorship available.

Location

Hybrid arrangement based in Los Angeles, California . Office presence is expected, with flexibility that develops over time. Candidates in the greater Los Angeles area strongly preferred.