Senior Litigation Attorney - Trust & Estate Litigation

Job Description

Who We Are

At The Estate Lawyers, we fiercely protect trustees from getting sued and beneficiaries from getting screwed. Based in Southern California and rapidly expanding, we are on a mission to become the largest and most respected trust and estate litigation law firm in the state.

We are a results-based team of litigation professionals known for our precision, power, and integrity among clients, judges, and referral partners alike. Our firm culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and supportive. If you're a strategic litigator looking for a firm where you can grow with intention, work with brilliant colleagues, and be recognized for your results we want to meet you.

Who This Role Is For

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Are a driven litigator with 5–8 years of experience (including trial, court appearances, depositions, mediations, and law and motion work)
• Have at least 2 years of heavy experience in trust and estate litigation and love the complexity of this area
• Are looking for more ownership, more challenge, and more growth
• Want to join a high-performing team at our headquarters and contribute to our continued leadership in this field
• Know how to lead a case and support staff while mentoring junior attorneys
• Communicate clearly and persuasively with clients, the court, and opposing counsel
• Embrace feedback and know how to give it constructively
• Have trusted team members you’d love to continue working with—we’re open to growing together
• Live our values: Stay Hungry. Radical Candor. Radical Respect. Team Win / Client Win. No Jerks Allowed.

This Role Is Not For You If

• You prefer a slow-paced environment and need frequent reminders to stay on track
• You avoid direct client interaction or courtroom appearances
• You find feedback difficult or struggle to give direction to support staff
• You aren’t interested in contributing to a high-accountability, results-driven team culture

Education and Experience

• Active California Bar license in good standing
• 5–8 years of litigation experience, including depositions, court appearances, and motion practice
• 2+ years of dedicated trust and estate litigation experience
• Expert-level familiarity with the California Probate Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and Evidence Code
• Prior experience managing junior attorneys or paralegals is a plus

What You’ll Be Doing (and How You’ll Know You’re Crushing It)

You’ll be measured by your ability to:

• Lead and manage your own litigation caseload from intake to resolution
• Draft strategic pleadings and strong motions with minimal oversight
• Take and defend depositions; prepare for hearings and trials
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and the court
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to firm-wide strategy sessions
• Collaborate seamlessly with any existing team members you bring onboard

Core Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle trust and estate litigation matters through trial/resolution
• Supervise and delegate to assigned paralegals and legal assistants
• Participate in regular case review meetings and trial strategy sessions
• Assist in training and mentoring attorneys or legal staff as needed
• Collaborate across pods and offices to ensure consistent excellence and efficiency
• Work closely with any trusted professionals you integrate into our firm

What We Expect From This Role

• Ownership of deadlines, outcomes, and communication
• Accountability for results and proactive problem-solving
• Respectful, direct communication—internally and externally
• Contribution to a strong, collaborative, high-performance team

Why Join The Estate Lawyers?

We’re not your typical law firm. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Clear path to leadership – You’ll have mentorship, feedback, and the opportunity to grow toward partnership.
• Compensation that rewards excellence – Competitive base salary + bonuses based on performance and impact.
• Forward-thinking culture – We embrace technology, systems, and structure so our team can do their best work.
• Amazing benefits – Unlimited PTO, 401(k) with safe harbor match, student loan repayment, full health/dental/vision, life insurance, and a flexible hybrid/remote setup.
• Values-driven team – We live by our core values: Stay Hungry, Radical Candor, Radical Respect, Team Win/Client Win, and No Jerks Allowed.

At The Estate Lawyers, we don’t just practice law—we elevate it.

Compensation & Benefits

• Position Type: Full-Time / Exempt
• Compensation Range: $200,000 – $350,000 based on experience, plus bonuses

Benefits Include:

• Unlimited paid time off
• Health, dental, and vision coverage with monthly firm contribution
• 401(k) with profit sharing
• Tech and CLE reimbursement
• Bar dues and professional development covered
• Quarterly team events and firm retreats

Work Location: On-site in either our Irvine or San Diego office, with hybrid flexibility after initial period.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Email your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to: michelle@TheEstateLawyers.com

Subject Line: [Your Name] – Senior Litigation Attorney

In your cover letter, please share:

• What excites you about trust and estate litigation
• Why you’re drawn to The Estate Lawyers
• What value you’ll bring to our team
• Whether there are team members you'd like to bring with you, and why

We can’t wait to meet you.