Associate Attorney

Ocean Estate Law, PC has served the estate planning needs of over 3,500 clients for more than 20 years. Recognized for its excellence, the firm was voted San Clemente’s Best Law Firm for the last 5 years in a row. Committed to providing exceptional legal services, the firm prides itself on helping clients protect their assets and plan for the future. With offices located in San Clemente and Laguna Hills, CA, Ocean Estate Law is a trusted, award-winning practice dedicated to client satisfaction throughout all of South Orange County. Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Associate Attorney role based in either our San Clemente or Laguna Hills office. The Associate Attorney role is intended to provide legal support to the firm in the form of meeting with clients and providing guidance on foundational estate planning, as well as advanced-level tax and asset protection strategies. The Associate Attorney will be client-facing, as well as assisting with document preparation and review. Duties & Responsibilities Client Relationship & Plan Execution Guide clients through the estate planning process with clarity, warmth, and genuine expertise, from design meeting through trust execution and funding Review customized estate plans (trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives) drafted by our paralegal team, ensuring accuracy and alignment with each client's goals Conduct execution meetings, ensuring clients understand what they've signed and how to properly fund their trust Serve as the client's primary point of contact throughout the planning process, building trust and long‑term relationships Evaluate client circumstances for advanced planning opportunities and make appropriate strategy recommendations Design and implement advanced estate planning strategies, including but not limited to: Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs), Family Limited Partnerships / LLCs for wealth transfer and asset protection Collaborate with clients' CPAs, financial advisors, and other professionals to coordinate integrated planning strategies Stay current on federal and California estate, gift, and income tax law as it affects planning recommendations Trust Administration & Business Entity Work Collaborate with our trust administration associate on matter handoffs and post‑death administration support as needed Assist with basic business entity formation (LLC/Corp) where applicable, an area we are actively expanding Systems & Operations Track billable time accurately and meet a clear, reasonable performance target of 32 billable hours per week Operate within our established systems (Microsoft Office, MyCase or similar CRM, WealthCounsel or similar drafting software) to keep client matters moving efficiently Contribute to a team culture of accountability, excellence, and genuine care for clients and colleagues Perform other duties and tasks as assigned to support attorneys, clients, and firm operations. Qualifications Active California State Bar license in good standing, required Minimum 3 years of substantive estate planning experience, required; 5+ years preferred Demonstrated, hands‑on experience with advanced planning strategies including ILITs, IDGTs, GRATs, SLATs, CRTs, and/or family entity planning, required Comfort and confidence in direct client communication: written, verbal, and in‑person Ability to work independently and manage a caseload without step‑by‑step supervision Strong attention to detail; clients are trusting us with their families' futures Experience with trust administration and/or probate is a bonus, not a requirement Prior experience in a boutique or small firm environment preferred; solo practice background welcomed Must be available to work in‑office Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm Must be able to work from either the Laguna Hills or San Clemente office depending on business needs Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license to travel between office locations Base salary: Starting at $150,000 per year (based on experience) Performance bonuses tied to firm growth and individual contribution Medical (50% from 0‑3 years, 75% 3‑4 years, 100% 5+ years), dental, vision benefits 401(k) with 3% employer match + profit sharing, eligible after 12 months Paid time off and holidays A schedule that actually ends: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. No 60‑hour weeks. No weekend expectations. NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS ABOUT THIS ROLE. NO RECRUITERS OR HEADHUNTERS. #J-18808-Ljbffr