Probate Attorney

Location: Phoenix, AZ • Work Arrangement: In-person

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Probate Attorney to join its growing practice as a lateral hire. The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of probate, trust, estate administration, and related litigation experience and be comfortable managing an active caseload with limited supervision. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who can step into an established practice, work directly with clients, and handle both transactional and contested probate matters.

Responsibilities

• Handle probate, trust administration, estate administration, and fiduciary matters from intake through resolution.
• Prepare and file probate petitions, pleadings, inventories, accountings, notices, orders, settlements, and related documents.
• Advise personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, heirs, and other interested parties.
• Handle both contested and uncontested probate and trust matters.
• Manage matters involving will contests, trust disputes, fiduciary disputes, creditor issues, and beneficiary disputes.
• Appear in probate court for hearings, conferences, and contested proceedings.
• Draft and negotiate settlement agreements, releases, and other estate/trust-related documents.
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation and resolution strategies.
• Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, fiduciaries, court personnel, and other professionals.
• Manage case deadlines and maintain organized files.
• Work collaboratively with paralegals and other attorneys while independently managing assigned matters.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
• 4+ years of relevant probate, trust, estate administration, or related litigation experience.
• Ability to independently manage probate and fiduciary matters.
• Experience with both probate administration and contested probate/trust litigation.
• Strong legal research, writing, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Excellent judgment, professionalism, and client communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.

Preferred Experience

• Fiduciary accountings, trust modifications, and probate disputes.
• Estate planning documents, trust interpretation, fiduciary duties, and beneficiary rights.
• Independent caseload management and experience working with paralegals/support staff.
• Portable business or interest in business development is a plus but not required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient and experienced probate attorney who can immediately contribute to an active practice. This role is best suited for someone with established knowledge of probate procedure, trust administration, and fiduciary litigation rather than someone seeking entry-level training.

Pay

Salary: $120,000 - $150,000 annually

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA/FSA
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Referral program