Mid-Level Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney

Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoge Fenton, a distinguished multi-service law firm headquartered in downtown San Jose, seeks a Mid-Level Attorney for its Trust & Estate Litigation Group. This role targets a litigator with 4–6 years in trust and estate disputes, ready to handle substantive matters and grow with seasoned colleagues.

The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical abilities, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to develop within a supportive, high-performing team. Travel between offices may be required.

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of trust and estate litigation experience.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California (in good standing).
• Strong analytical, negotiation, consulting, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Handle substantive trust and estate litigation matters with increasing autonomy and responsibility.
• Represent senior citizens and their families in financial elder abuse litigation.
• Represent trustees, executors, administrators, and beneficiaries in trust and probate litigation, including: Will and trust contests; negligent management of assets; breach of fiduciary duty.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys on case strategy, research, briefing, and trial preparation.
• Assist in mentoring junior associates and contributing to team development.
• Develop client relationships and communication skills through direct client interaction.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Collaborative mindset

Negotiation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor

Active California Bar

Job description

San Jose, California

Pleasanton, California

San Mateo, California

Attorney Positions

Hoge Fenton, a distinguished multi-service law firm, headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a Mid-Level Attorney to join its Trust & Estate Litigation Group.

This is an opportunity for a litigator with 4 to 6 years of trust and estate litigation experience who is ready to take on increasingly substantive work and sharpen their advocacy skills alongside seasoned colleagues. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical abilities, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to grow within a supportive and high-performing practice group.

Key Responsibilities

Handle substantive trust and estate litigation matters with increasing autonomy and responsibility.

Represent senior citizens and their families in financial elder abuse litigation.

Represent trustees, executors, administrators, and beneficiaries in trust and probate litigation, including:

Will and trust contests based on lack of capacity, undue influence, or fraud.

Negligent management of assets.

Failure to account or inadequate accounting.

Co-trustee disputes.

Removal and surcharge actions.

Breach of fiduciary duty (lack of impartiality, self-dealing, and secret profits).

Collaborate with senior attorneys on case strategy, research, briefing, and trial preparation.

Assist in mentoring junior associates and contributing to team development.

Develop client relationships and communication skills through direct client interaction.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

Active membership in the State Bar of California (in good standing).

4 to 6 years of trust and estate litigation experience.

Strong analytical, negotiation, consulting, and communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Excellent reputation for integrity and collegiality among both bench and bar.

Location

This position may be based in any of the firm's offices: Silicon Valley (Downtown San Jose), Tri-Valley (Pleasanton), or Peninsula (San Mateo). Travel between offices may be required.

Compensation

$175,000 to $225,000 base salary, depending on experience, qualifications, and skill set.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Hoge Fenton has a strong commitment to diversity. The firm strives to recruit and retain a workforce that welcomes and supports the interests of women, families, and individuals of all ages, races, creeds, religions, colors, national origins, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities/gender expressions, disabilities, or military and veteran statuses. The environment is collegial, collaborative, flexible, and supportive. Hoge Fenton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Unsolicited resumes from search firms will not be considered, and no fees will be paid for candidates submitted without a prior written agreement.

Why Hoge Fenton

Hoge Fenton is a well-established, highly respected multi-service law firm offering a supportive, flexible, and collaborative environment where attorneys build long-term careers handling high-quality, impactful matters. The firm maintains a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional development, providing resources and mentorship that empower attorneys at every stage of their careers.