Trust & Estates Litigation Attorney

Hoge Fenton; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoge Fenton, a distinguished multi-service law firm headquartered in downtown San Jose, seeks a Senior Associate or Counsel to join its Trust & Estate Litigation Group. This leadership role targets an experienced litigator who can drive strategy, nurture client relationships, and help shape the practice's growth.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of trust and estate litigation, a strong record handling complex matters, and a commitment to mentoring associates, business development, and

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Drive case strategy and lead high-stakes trust and estate litigation from start to finish.
• Cultivate and deepen client relationships as the primary contact for key clients.
• Contribute to business development and growth of the practice.
• Supervise associates, delegate work, and provide mentoring and feedback.
• Shape the direction and culture of the Trust & Estate Litigation Group.
• Represent seniors and families in elder abuse and probate matters.

Skills

Leadership

Case management

Client development

Mentoring

Negotiation

Communication

Team collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

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.