Trusts & Estates Litigation - Private Wealth Disputes Attorney

Our client is a disputes-focused boutique devoted entirely to contested private wealth matters. Their practice covers trust disputes, estate contests, undue influence, fiduciary misconduct, financial elder abuse, and conservatorships. They represent beneficiaries, heirs, trustees, executors, conservators, professional fiduciaries, and families navigating high-stakes litigation.

About the role

This role is designed for a lawyer with one to five years of civil litigation experience who has started building meaningful trust and estate litigation experience and wants a clearer runway to grow. You will receive direct feedback, increasing responsibility, and the support of a growing specialist platform. A portable book of business is not required.

Responsibilities

• Help develop case strategy, draft contested petitions, motions, briefs, discovery, mediation submissions, and settlement documents.
• Build the evidentiary record through written discovery, document review, and expert coordination.
• Gain stand-up experience in depositions, court appearances, hearings, and trial preparation as your capability grows.
• Work directly with clients facing grief, conflict, and significant financial stakes.
• Own your matters by managing deadlines, communicating early, and understanding the economics of the work you perform.

Requirements

• Active member in good standing of the California Bar.
• One to five years of civil litigation experience, including meaningful work in contested trusts, estates, probate, conservatorships, financial elder abuse, or related fiduciary disputes.
• Experience drafting contested pleadings, discovery, or substantive motions and participating in hearings, depositions, or trial preparation.
• Exceptional legal writing and strategic thinking skills.
• Emotional intelligence for clients navigating difficult circumstances.
• Ability to take ownership, communicate candidly, and close loops without being chased.
• Comfortable working regularly from the Costa Mesa office.

Career Path

The firm offers a defined advancement ladder from Attorney to Senior Attorney to Managing Attorney to Income Partner to Equity Partner. Advancement is based on demonstrated capability, judgment, client service, and firm contribution, not time served.

Pay

Base salary for this role is $185,000 to $235,000, 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.
• Professional development support.

Schedule

This is a full-time, office-forward position based in Costa Mesa. It is not a fully remote role.