Job Description
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced Trust & Estates Attorney to manage trust and estate-related disputes in California. This role focuses on guiding litigation matters from initial filing through resolution while maintaining thoughtful communication with clients and strong coordination with internal legal support teams. The ideal candidate brings sound courtroom judgment, strong drafting ability, and the confidence to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and care.
Responsibilities:
• Lead probate and trust litigation matters through each stage of the case lifecycle, from commencement to final resolution.
• Prepare and revise legal documents such as petitions, complaints, answers, motions, and discovery materials for court submission.
• Organize cases for mediation, negotiated settlement discussions, and trial proceedings, ensuring deadlines and strategic priorities are met.
• Appear in court for routine and moderately complex hearings and represent clients effectively in contested proceedings.
• Take and defend depositions while developing factual records that support litigation strategy.
• Work closely with clients and witnesses to prepare them for testimony, hearings, and other key case events.
• Contribute to trial readiness by coordinating evidence, refining arguments, and assisting with courtroom execution.
• Oversee the work of law clerks and entry-level drafting staff, providing direction and reviewing filings for accuracy and quality.
• Partner with legal support personnel to keep matters progressing efficiently and communicate updates and next steps clearly to clients.
• Participate in case strategy discussions, make informed recommendations, and independently manage execution while escalating significant issues when needed.
• Active license to practice law and ability to work as an attorney in the applicable jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated experience handling civil litigation matters, ideally including probate, trust, or estate disputes.
• Strong skill in drafting motions, pleadings, briefs, and discovery-related documents.
• Practical experience managing discovery, including written discovery and deposition practice.
• Knowledge of trusts and estates law with familiarity in probate litigation procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently while exercising sound judgment on when to elevate key issues.
• Strong interpersonal and client communication skills, particularly in emotionally sensitive or high-conflict situations.