Senior Trusts & Estates Litigator - California

Donahue Fitzgerald LLP; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tiered bonus program

Hybrid schedule after 90 days

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Donahue Fitzgerald LLP is seeking a Trust & Estates Litigation Attorney with 5+ years of California experience to lead complex disputes and collaborate with partners. The role includes managing a diverse caseload, mentoring junior attorneys, and taking cases through trial and appeal.

A hybrid schedule allows 3 days in-office after 90 days, with a base salary of $165,000–$195,000 and potential total compensation up to $245,000.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active CA State Bar certification.
• 5+ years of California trust & estates litigation experience.
• Strong knowledge of California Probate Code and case law.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy and deadline discipline.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Litigate complex trust, estate, and conservatorship disputes.
• Conduct research, draft pleadings and briefs, manage discovery.
• Attend hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Develop case strategy and mentor junior staff.
• Maintain accurate time entries and billing compliance.

Skills

Legal drafting

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Time management

Strategic thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active California State Bar

Tools

Courtroom litigation

Legal research

Job description

Donahue Fitzgerald LLP is seeking a Trust & Estates Litigation Attorney with 5+ years of California experience to lead complex disputes and collaborate with partners. The role includes managing a diverse caseload, mentoring junior attorneys, and taking cases through trial and appeal.

A hybrid schedule allows 3 days in-office after 90 days, with a base salary of $165,000–$195,000 and potential total compensation up to $245,000.