Job Description
Job DescriptionAbout 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
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Take ownership of transitioning client relationships from a retiring shareholder, ensuring continuity of trust and service quality.
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Handle sophisticated estate planning matters including complex trust structures, high-net-worth estate and gift tax planning, and advanced wealth transfer strategies.
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Advise clients directly on trust and estate administration, business succession planning, and California property tax issues.
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Draft advanced estate planning documents and manage ongoing client advisory relationships independently.
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Mentor and develop junior associates within the estate planning practice group.
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Collaborate with senior attorneys and firm leadership to grow and strengthen the practice area.
What We're Looking For
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JD from an accredited law school with active California State Bar membership (required).
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10–20 years of experience in sophisticated trust and estate planning at the senior associate, counsel, or shareholder level.
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Demonstrated experience with complex trust structure drafting and estate and gift tax planning strategies.
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Direct client advisory experience managing relationships for high-net-worth individuals.
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Knowledge of California property tax issues and their estate planning implications.
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Experience with trust administration and business succession planning.
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Background at a mid-size or large full-service law firm is a strong plus.
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Experience mentoring or supervising junior associates.
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LLM in Taxation preferred but not required.
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Proficiency with legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and standard office productivity tools.
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Currently located in the greater Los Angeles area strongly preferred; relocation considered for exceptional candidates.
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No visa sponsorship available.
Compensation & Benefits
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Salary: $200,000 – $350,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
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401(k) with profit-sharing contribution (firm-contributed regardless of employee contribution).
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Manageable billable hour expectations relative to large firm standards.
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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.