Probate Litigation Associate

Conn Kavanaugh LLP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Conn Kavanaugh LLP in Boston, MA seeks a talented Mid-Level Probate Litigation Associate (3–6 years) to join our Trusts & Estates Litigation practice. You will represent fiduciaries, beneficiaries, heirs, and interested parties in contested probate, trust, guardianship, and fiduciary matters across Massachusetts courts.

The position offers substantial responsibility, direct client contact, courtroom experience, and the chance to work on complex, high‑value fiduciary disputes alongside seasoned

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• 3–6 years of litigation experience.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Excellent oral advocacy abilities.
• Experience handling hearings and depositions.
• Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload.
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage probate litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, petitions, and appellate briefs.
• Conduct legal research involving the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, trust law, fiduciary duties, guardianships, conservatorships, and related areas.
• Handle all phases of discovery, including: Document review and production, Depositions, Discovery motions.
• Prepare for and attend: Evidentiary hearings, Status conferences, Mediations, Trials.
• Develop litigation strategy in collaboration with partners.
• Advise fiduciaries regarding estate and trust administration issues arising during contested proceedings.
• Analyze financial records, accountings, trust documents, wills, and estate assets.
• Work with experts including accountants, valuation professionals, physicians, and forensic specialists.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution.
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding litigation strategy and case developments.
• Mentor junior associates and paralegals as appropriate.

Skills

Litigation experience

Strong legal research and writing

Oral advocacy

Independent caseload management

Attention to detail

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Mid-Level Probate Litigation Associate (3–6 Years)

SALARY RANGE: $145K to $165K

We are seeking a talented and motivated Probate Litigation Associate with 3–6 years of litigation experience to join our growing Trusts & Estates Litigation practice. The successful candidate will represent fiduciaries, beneficiaries, heirs, family members, and other interested parties in contested probate, trust, guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary matters throughout the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court system and, when necessary, the Massachusetts Superior Court and Appeals Court.

This position offers substantial responsibility, direct client contact, courtroom experience, and the opportunity to work on complex and high-value fiduciary disputes.

Primary Responsibilities

Manage probate litigation matters from inception through resolution.

Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, petitions, and appellate briefs.

Conduct legal research involving the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, trust law, fiduciary duties, guardianships, conservatorships, and related areas.

• Handle all phases of discovery, including:
• Document review and production
• Depositions
• Discovery motions
• Prepare for and attend:
• Evidentiary hearings
• Status conferences
• Mediations
• Trials

Develop litigation strategy in collaboration with partners.

Advise fiduciaries regarding estate and trust administration issues arising during contested proceedings.

Analyze financial records, accountings, trust documents, wills, and estate assets.

Work with experts including accountants, valuation professionals, physicians, and forensic specialists.

Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution.

Maintain regular communication with clients regarding litigation strategy and case developments.

Mentor junior associates and paralegals as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required

J.D. from an accredited law school.

Admission to the Massachusetts Bar.

3–6 years of litigation experience.

Strong legal research and writing skills.

Excellent oral advocacy abilities.

Experience handling hearings and depositions.

Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload.

Exceptional analytical and organizational skills.

Preferred

Experience in one or more of the following:

Trust litigation

Fiduciary litigation

Will contests

Trust contests

Fiduciary removal actions

Desired Experience

Candidates with experience handling matters involving:

Will contests

Lack of capacity claims

Breach of fiduciary duty

Trust interpretation disputes

Trust modification or termination

Removal of personal representatives and trustees

Discovery of concealed assets

Appeals involving probate matters

are strongly encouraged to apply.

Skills

Outstanding written and verbal communication.

Ability to manage competing deadlines.

Sound judgment and strategic thinking.

Attention to detail.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

What We Offer

Sophisticated probate and trust litigation matters.

Collaborative team environment.

Professional development and mentoring.

Competitive compensation and benefits.

Partnership-track opportunities for qualified candidates.

Characteristics of an exceptional candidate

Beyond technical qualifications, the best mid-level probate litigation associate in Massachusetts will typically demonstrate:

Comfort taking and defending depositions.

Experience arguing dispositive and discovery motions.

Familiarity with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Rules and Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure.

Strong negotiation and mediation skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with clients during emotionally charged family disputes.

Experience analyzing complex financial records, fiduciary accountings, and valuation issues.