Senior Associate or Counsel / Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney

Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoge Fenton, a leading multi-service law firm headquartered in San Jose, seeks a Senior Associate or Counsel level attorney to join its Trust & Estate Litigation Group across its Silicon Valley offices. You will drive case strategy for high-stakes matters, mentor junior lawyers, and cultivate trust-based client relationships while contributing to practice growth.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of trust and estate litigation experience, a strong track record, and a commitment to mentoring the

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• 8+ years of trust and estate litigation experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in case management, client development, and associate supervision.

Responsibilities

• Drive case strategy and lead high-stakes, complex trust and estate litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Cultivate and deepen client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for key clients.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and the continued growth of the Trust & Estate Litigation practice.
• Supervise and manage associates on active matters, including delegation and oversight of case work.
• Provide hands-on mentoring, training, feedback, and performance guidance to develop associates' litigation skills.
• Help shape the direction and culture of the Trust & Estate Litigation Group.
• 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, Failure to account, Co-trustee disputes, Removal and surcharge actions, Breach of fiduciary duty.

Skills

Leadership

Case strategy

Client relationships

Business development

Mentoring

Supervision

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Senior Associate or Counsel / Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney

Pleasanton, California

San Mateo, California

San Jose, California

Of Counsel

Attorney Positions

Hoge Fenton, a distinguished multi-service law firm, headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a Senior Associate or Counsel level attorney to join its Trust & Estate Litigation Group.

This is a leadership role for an experienced litigator with 8 or more years of trust and estate litigation experience who is ready to drive case strategy, cultivate client relationships, and help shape the direction and culture of a growing practice group. The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record of handling complex trust and estate matters, a commitment to business development, and a genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of attorneys.

Key Responsibilities

Drive case strategy and lead high-stakes, complex trust and estate litigation matters from inception through resolution.

Cultivate and deepen client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for key clients.

Contribute to business development initiatives and the continued growth of the Trust & Estate Litigation practice.

Supervise and manage associates on active matters, including delegation and oversight of case work.

Provide hands-on mentoring, training, feedback, and performance guidance to develop associates' litigation skills.

Help shape the direction and culture of the Trust & Estate Litigation Group.

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).

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

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

8+ years of trust and estate litigation experience.

Demonstrated leadership in case management, client development, and associate supervision.

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

$225,000 to $275,000 base salary, depending on experience, qualifications, and skill set.

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

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.

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.