Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney

CyberCoders; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 320,000 - 475,000; Full time

Job summary

We are seeking a Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney to join a Private Wealth group at a distinguished law firm in the San Francisco area. The ideal candidate will independently manage complex matters, mentor junior attorneys, and support client development and relationship management.

Compensation includes up to $325k base with bonuses bringing total compensation up to $475k, with a hybrid in-office schedule (3-4 days on-site).

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• 8+ years of trusts & estates experience with high net worth clients.
• Proven experience with trust administration, estate planning, and drafting sophisticated documents.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state estate and gift tax laws; GST rules.
• Experience leading matters from inception to completion; mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Advise high net worth clients on estate planning strategies including trusts and charitable planning.
• Draft, review and implement complex estate planning documents and related instruments.
• Oversee trust administration, probate matters, and fiduciary accountings.
• Coordinate with tax advisors on transfer tax planning and GST issues.
• Represent fiduciaries in trust and estate litigation when needed; collaborate with litigators.

Skills

Legal drafting

Analytical skills

Client counseling

Oral communication

Mentoring

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Job description

***THIS ROLE IS HYBRID 3-4 DAYS IN OFFICE***

We are a full service law firm helping businesses and individuals navigate important opportunities, complex challenges, and high stakes decisions. Our attorneys are respected for delivering thoughtful counsel, practical solutions, and an exceptional standard of client service. Talented professionals take on sophisticated work in a collegial environment where initiative is encouraged, collaboration comes naturally, and contributions are valued. Join us to expand your expertise, learn alongside accomplished colleagues, and make a meaningful difference for clients while building a rewarding legal career.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney to join our firms Private Wealth group. The ideal candidate will provide highquality legal counsel to high net worth individuals, families, and fiduciaries on estate planning, trust formation and administration, tax planning, and fiduciary litigation as needed. This role requires a seasoned attorney who can manage complex matters independently, mentor junior attorneys and associates, and support client development and relationship management.

Compensation:

Up to $325k base DOE / Total comp with bonuses up to $475k

Key Responsibilities

• Advise high net worth clients on comprehensive estate planning strategies, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and charitable planning.


• Draft, review and implement complex estate planning documents, trust instruments, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related agreements.


• Manage trust administration and probate matters: oversee asset transfers, prepare accountings, advise trustees and executors, and resolve beneficiary issues.


• Provide tax sensitive guidance and coordinate with tax advisors and CPAs on federal and state transfer tax planning, generationskipping transfer issues, gift planning and reporting.


• Represent clients and fiduciaries in trust and estate litigation and contested probate matters when necessary; collaborate with litigators as appropriate.


• Supervise, train and mentor associates and paralegals; review work product and delegate assignments to ensure efficient, highquality service delivery.


• Support business development efforts by cultivating client relationships, participating in networking events, delivering client presentations and contributing to practice group thought leadership.


• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and ethical standards; manage conflicts checks and client intake for new highnetworth matters.


• Collaborate with internal teams (tax, wealth management, family office) and external advisors to implement integrated wealth transfer strategies.


• Maintain accurate matter budgets and billing records while managing workload to meet firm and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar admission in the hiring state.


• Minimum 8+ years of experience practicing trusts & estates law, including substantial experience with high net worth clients.


• Proven experience with trust administration, estate planning, and drafting sophisticated estate planning documents.


• Strong knowledge of federal and state estate and gift tax laws, generationskipping transfer rules, and tax planning techniques.


• Experience as an associate/attorney in a law firm setting, with demonstrated ability to work independently and lead matters from inception to completion.


• Experience advising and representing fiduciaries in contested trust and estate matters preferred.


• Excellent legal drafting, analytical, client counseling and oral communication skills.


• Track record of supervising and mentoring junior attorneys and support staff.


• Business development aptitude with experience in client relationship management and practice development.


• High professional integrity, strong judgment, and the ability to manage multiple complex matters concurrently.