Litigation Associate Attorney - Probate, Trust & Estate

Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary based on experience

Annual bonus

Employer-paid health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid vacation & sick leave

Bar dues & CLE

Company laptop & phone

Community events

Firm social events

Job summary

Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP in San Diego seeks an Associate Attorney to join our growing probate, trust and estate litigation team. The ideal candidate is curious, organized, proactive, and eager to develop expertise in this specialized area.

We offer substantial responsibility, direct client contact, and courtroom experience while mentoring junior attorneys. Competitive salary, annual bonus, and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active CA Bar license in good standing.
• 0–5 years of legal experience.
• Experience in estate planning, trust and probate matters, civil litigation, transactional law, family law, or related practice areas.
• Litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, discovery, and court appearances.
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and staff.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage probate, trust, conservatorship, and related litigation matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, petitions, and legal correspondence.
• Propound and respond to written discovery.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda.
• Appear in court hearings, conferences, and other proceedings.
• Prepare for and participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Conduct and defend depositions.
• Work closely with senior attorneys and support staff to develop case strategy and efficiently move matters toward resolution.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and provide high‑quality client service.

Skills

Active CA Bar license

Litigation experience

Legal research & writing

Verbal & written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent & collaborative

Attention to detail

Professionalism

Client service

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Build your legal career with one of San Diego’s leading probate, trust and estate firms. Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our growing litigation team.

For more than 30 years our firm has focused exclusively on complex probate, trust, estate, and conservatorship matters. We are one of the few firms in the region dedicated exclusively to this area of law, allowing us to provide clients with focused expertise, practical solutions, and exceptional representation.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, highly organized, proactive, and eager to develop expertise in probate, trust and estate litigation.

Why Join Our Firm?

This is more than an associate position. It’s an opportunity to build a long-term career in a highly specialized and rewarding area of law. Associates receive substantial responsibility, direct client contact, and meaningful courtroom experience while working alongside experienced attorneys committed to mentorship and professional development.

We believe great attorneys do their best when they’re supported, that’s why we offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Annual bonus opportunity
• 100% employer-paid medical and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Three weeks of paid vacation, plus paid sick leave and paid holidays
• Paid bar dues and continuing legal education
• Firm-provided cell phone and laptop
• Participation in local legal community events and professional organizations
• Quarterly firm social events

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in California and good standing with the State Bar
• 0–5 years of legal experience
• Experience in estate planning, trust and probate matters, civil litigation, transactional law, family law, or related practice areas
• Litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, and appearing in court is preferred
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and staff
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Manage and assist with probate, trust, conservatorship, and related litigation matters
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, petitions, and legal correspondence
• Propound and respond to written discovery
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda
• Appear in court hearings, conferences, and other proceedingsPrepare for and participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and trials
• Conduct and defend depositions
• Work closely with senior attorneys and support staff to develop case strategy and efficiently move matters toward resolution
• Maintain regular communication with clients and provide high‑quality client service