Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates Litigation

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, declarations, objections, and settlement agreements for contested trust and estate litigation.
• Represent clients in court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Oversee contested trusts and estates cases, including fiduciary disputes, will contests, breach of trust claims, and asset distribution conflicts.
• Identify and analyze legal and financial issues affecting fiduciary duties, beneficiary rights, and tax implications.
• Supervise paralegals and support staff, managing workloads, delegating tasks, and ensuring accurate and timely filings.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, court rules, and litigation deadlines.
• Advise clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries on litigation strategy and dispute resolution options.
• Review financial records, fiduciary accountings, and tax documents relevant to contested matters.
• Maintain professional, clear, and compassionate communication with clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and personal representatives.
• Conduct legal research on trusts and estates statutes, case law, tax rules, and local probate court procedures relevant to litigation.
• Analyze complex financial information, including asset valuations, trust accountings, and estate-related tax matters.
• Prepare strategic legal memoranda and recommendations based on research and analysis.
• Appear in probate court for contested hearings, petitions, accountings, and trials.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations involving trust and estate disputes.
• Present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue motions in contested matters.
• Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to Associates and staff to support skill development and professional growth.
• Participate in at least eight (8) professional or business development activities (four of which can be attendance) annually (beyond mandatory MCLE).
• Model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard.

Knowledge, Experience And Skills Requirements

• Active Member of the State Bar of California.
• Five (5) to ten (10) years of recent experience in civil or trusts & estates litigation practice areas.
• Preferably holds an advanced law degree, specialization, or approved certification in practice area.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring Associate Attorneys preferred.
• Excellent critical thinking, judgment, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and high-level cognitive functioning.
• Ability to remain composed, strategic, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and modern law firm practice management software.
• Excellent command of English, including grammar, usage, form, and style.