Senior Litigation Attorney (Trust & Estate Litigation)

About the Firm

The Law Offices of John C. Martin, P.C. is a boutique trusts and estates practice serving high-net-worth clients throughout Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. The firm focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and trust litigation, with an emphasis on careful work, strong client relationships, and long-term thinking.

The practice has consistent demand and a growing litigation docket. This position is intended to establish a dedicated litigation function within the firm and to support continued growth without compromising quality.

The Position

We are hiring a Senior Litigation Attorney to take responsibility for day-to-day litigation work and case progression.

You will work directly with the principal attorney on strategy while independently handling drafting, discovery, and routine court appearances. The position involves meaningful responsibility from the outset and is designed for someone who is comfortable managing cases within a structured, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft petitions, complaints, responsive pleadings, motions, and discovery

• Manage cases from filing through resolution

• Prepare matters for mediation, settlement, and trial

• Handle routine and intermediate court appearances

• Conduct and defend depositions

• Supervise law clerk and junior drafting support

• Review and refine work product before filing

• Communicate with clients regarding case status and next steps

• Work directly with the principal attorney on strategy and key decisions

Qualifications

• 6 to 12+ years of civil or probate litigation experience

• Experience in trust, estate, or probate litigation preferred

• Strong legal writing and analytical skills

• Ability to manage cases with limited supervision

• Experience appearing in court and taking depositions

• Strong judgment and attention to detail

• Active California Bar license required

Compensation

Base Salary: $200,000 to $260,000

Performance-based bonus tied to collected revenue and case responsibility

Total compensation typically ranges from $250,000 to $350,000+, depending on experience and performance

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer matching

• Profit sharing

• Kaiser health insurance

• Delta Dental

• Disability insurance

• Two weeks paid vacation

• Paid sick leave

• Paid major holidays

Work Environment

• On-site in Palo Alto

• Small, focused team

• Direct involvement in meaningful matters

• Support from paralegal, clerk, and administrative staff

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume

• Writing sample

• Brief cover letter describing your litigation experience and interest in trusts and estates