Trust & Estate Litigation - Private Wealth Disputes Senior Attorney
About the role
A disputes-focused boutique devoted entirely to contested private wealth matters—trust disputes, estate contests, undue influence, fiduciary misconduct, conservatorships, and financial elder abuse—seeks a Senior Attorney to lead complex matters from its Orange County office, mentor developing lawyers, and help build the practice that sophisticated local clients and referral sources call first.
You will have meaningful authority over matters and client relationships, access to firm leadership, firm-generated work, centralized infrastructure, and dedicated business-development support. A portable book of business is not required, though relationship development is expected at the senior level.
Responsibilities
- Own matter strategy, serve as the primary point of contact for clients navigating high-stakes disputes, and draft or supervise major briefs, pleadings, and depositions.
- Argue substantive motions and lead mediation, hearing, and trial preparation.
- Manage case teams by delegating work, reviewing output, and developing junior lawyers.
- Oversee matter economics including scope, staffing, budgets, and collections.
- Contribute to practice development through speaking, authorship, and community engagement, and to firm-building through training and knowledge sharing.
Requirements
- Active member in good standing of the California Bar with at least five years of civil litigation experience, including at least two years in contested trusts, estates, probate, conservatorships, financial elder abuse, or related fiduciary matters.
- Demonstrated record of developing strategy, supervising significant law-and-motion work, taking or defending depositions, and preparing matters for mediation, hearing, or trial.
- Ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information and communicate practical recommendations rather than simply cataloging issues.
- Leadership skills: delegate without abdication, hold people accountable while helping them grow.
- Comfortable working regularly from the Costa Mesa office.
Career path
The firm offers a clearly defined advancement path from Senior Attorney to Managing Attorney to Income Partner to Equity Partner, tied to written expectations around legal product, client service, leadership, and business development. Exceptional candidates already operating at a managing attorney or partner-equivalent level may be considered for a separately structured opportunity.
Pay
Base salary: $235,000 to $300,000, depending on experience and internal equity, plus annual performance-based bonus eligibility.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with firm contribution.
- Flexible paid time off, parental and sick leave.
- Paid parking and professional development support.
Schedule
Full-time, office-forward position based in Costa Mesa. This is not a fully remote role.