Attorney | Trust & Estate Litigation | 148955

Gilder Search Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Competitive compensation and benefits

AI-enabled tools for efficiency

Modern technology and collaborative团队

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking a Senior Litigation Associate with 8–15 years of litigation experience to join its growing practice in California.

The firm emphasizes work-life balance and handles sophisticated matters including trust and estate disputes, business litigation, and civil defense, with opportunities to develop a specialized practice. California Bar admission is required and flexible work arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of litigation experience.
• Trust and estate litigation experience preferred; strong civil litigation experience also considered.
• Ability to independently manage complex litigation matters.
• Experience with depositions, motion practice, discovery, mediations, and trial preparation.
• Excellent legal research, writing, advocacy, and client communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee complex litigation matters for clients.
• Take and defend depositions; prepare and argue motions.
• Oversee discovery, mediations, and trial preparation; coordinate with teams.
• Develop and grow trusts and estates litigation practice where applicable.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal research and writing

Client communication

Trial preparation

Education

Active California Bar license

Job description

An established California law firm—consistently recognized as one of the region's best places to work is seeking a Senior Litigation Associate with 8–15 years of litigation experience to join its growing litigation practice.

This opportunity is ideal for experienced litigators who want to continue handling sophisticated, high-level matters while working in a firm that genuinely values work-life balance. Rather than measuring success solely by billable hours, the firm is committed to creating an environment where attorneys can build rewarding careers, deliver exceptional client service, and maintain fulfilling personal lives.

The litigation practice includes sophisticated trust and estate disputes, business litigation, and select civil defense matters. While experience in trust and estate litigation is preferred, accomplished civil litigators looking to develop a specialized practice are encouraged to apply. The firm is willing to train the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of litigation experience
• Trust and estate litigation experience preferred; strong civil litigation experience also considered
• Ability to independently manage complex litigation matters
• Experience with depositions, motion practice, discovery, mediations, and trial preparation
• Excellent legal research, writing, advocacy, and client communication skills
• Active California Bar license in good standing

Why Join This Firm?

This firm's reputation extends beyond the quality of its legal work. It has been consistently recognized as one of the region's best places to work, reflecting a long-standing commitment to supporting its attorneys both professionally and personally.

Attorneys benefit from:

• Approximately 1,600 annual billable hours—not 2,000+
• A genuine commitment to work-life balance
• Sophisticated, intellectually engaging litigation matters
• Meaningful, long-term client relationships
• The opportunity to develop or expand a trusts and estates litigation practice
• A collaborative, collegial team that enjoys working together
• Flexible work arrangements
• Modern technology and AI-enabled tools that improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden
• Competitive compensation and benefits

If you're looking for a firm where professional excellence is matched by a culture that prioritizes balance, collaboration, and long-term career satisfaction, we encourage you to submit your resume for confidential consideration.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $220,000

Reference: 148955

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