Senior Trusts & Estates Associate – Private Client

Withers; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 308,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

HSA contributions

Retirement savings plan

Life and disability insurance

Flexible spending and commuter perks

Wellbeing resources

Pet insurance

Job summary

Withers seeks an experienced Associate for its Private Client & Tax team in San Diego or San Francisco. This role focuses on sophisticated estate planning and administration for high-net-worth clients, coordinating with partners, paralegals, and associates to move matters forward.

The ideal candidate has a J.D., California bar, and 3–6 years of Trusts & Estates experience, with the ability to manage complex matters and contribute to business development within a global firm.

Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials (J.D. required; Tax LL.M. a plus)
• 3–6 years in a law firm Trusts & Estates group
• California bar membership is required
• Proven ability to stay on top of a busy practice, including time recording, deadline and matter management, and ownership of projects
• Demonstrates genuine interest in contributing to the firm’s success, including mentorship and process development
• Inspires confidence in clients, intermediaries, and referral sources
• Takes a practical approach to solving client problems and is nimble with tools to implement solutions

Responsibilities

• Serve as independent contributor and key coordinator to drive matters forward
• Bridge day-to-day execution with strategic work across complex estates
• Independently handle estate planning for high-net-worth clients with irrevocable trusts
• Engage in structuring charitable organizations, major gifts, and compliance
• Lead post-mortem trust administration and distribution of assets to beneficiaries
• Contribute to business development: writing, events, and networks with private wealth contacts/intermediaries

Skills

J.D. required

Tax LL.M. a plus

California Bar

Time management

Mentorship

Client relations

Attention to detail

Education

J.D. degree

Tax LL.M. desired

Job description

Withers seeks an experienced Associate for its Private Client & Tax team in San Diego or San Francisco. This role focuses on sophisticated estate planning and administration for high-net-worth clients, coordinating with partners, paralegals, and associates to move matters forward.

The ideal candidate has a J.D., California bar, and 3–6 years of Trusts & Estates experience, with the ability to manage complex matters and contribute to business development within a global firm.