Attorney - Trusts, Estates & Probate Attorney

Trusts, Estates & Probate Attorney
Compensation: $120,000–$150,000 depending on your experience
SIGNING Bonus and PERFORMANCE Bonus eligible

Shape your career with a firm built on purpose and genuine client commitment. Our well-established, growing boutique practice in Newport Beach, CA, focuses exclusively on Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, and Conservatorships. We’re seeking a dedicated Associate Attorney with at least 3 years of experience who is ready to expand their knowledge and grow within a collaborative, client-focused team.

This full-time, long-term position is ideal for an attorney who wants to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in a supportive environment that values mentorship and professional growth.

About You

You are an experienced trusts and estates attorney who takes pride in delivering both exceptional legal work and genuine client care. You thrive in a collaborative environment, balancing precision with compassion as you guide clients through important life transitions. Your organizational skills keep complex matters on track, and your clear communication builds trust with clients, colleagues, and the court. You value a healthy work-life balance, but you are equally committed to meeting deadlines and delivering results. Most importantly, you approach your work with empathy, integrity, and a dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those you serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and refine a variety of legal documents, including Accounting Petitions, Petitions for Instructions, and Conservatorship Petitions.
• Manage Trust Administration, Probate, and Conservatorship matters from initiation through resolution.
• Meet with clients to design tailored Revocable Living Trusts and Special Needs Trusts that reflect their unique needs.
• Address Probate Notes and Tentative Rulings by drafting precise, timely Supplements.
• Lead client consultations with professionalism, empathy, and clear communication.
• Guide, mentor, and delegate tasks to paralegals, legal assistants, and law clerks.
• Advocate for clients in court hearings.
• Partner with billing to ensure invoices are accurate and issued on schedule.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Special Needs Planning, Probate, or Conservatorships.
• Active license to practice law in California.
• Ability to manage cases with confidence and independence after an initial orientation.
• Exceptional organizational skills and clear, professional communication, paired with a meticulous eye for detail.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, timekeeping tools, and case management software.
• High emotional intelligence and a sincere commitment to supporting clients through significant life transitions.
• Regular in-office presence required, with the potential for a hybrid schedule after successful training.

Benefits

• Base Salary: $120,000–$150,000, depending on experience.
• Performance Bonus: Year-end bonus based on individual and firm performance.
• Sign-On Bonus: $9,000 total, paid in three installments of $3,000 at 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year.
• Billable Hours: A reasonable, sustainable requirement designed to protect work-life balance.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation allowance, plus all major holidays and the day after Thanksgiving.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match.
• Professional Growth: Support for continuing education and personal development.
• Licensing Costs: Annual bar dues fully covered by the firm.
• Extra Perks: Paid parking for your convenience.

About the Firm

We are a dedicated Trusts and Estates practice committed to guiding clients through some of life’s most personal and important legal decisions. From special needs planning to settlement planning, our mission is to safeguard the people and assets that matter most to our clients. By choosing not to handle litigation, we focus our energy on creating thoughtful, compassionate strategies that bring clarity, security, and peace of mind.

How to Apply
If this role speaks to you, we’d love to learn more about your background and what inspires your work. Please submit your resume along with a cover letter explaining why this position and our mission align with your professional goals.

We will personally reach out to candidates whose experience and values best fit the role and our firm’s culture.

Kindly, no direct inquiries or agency submissions. Thank you for your understanding.