Trusts and Estates Attorney

The Agency; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Competitive compensation

Modern legal technology

Team-oriented environment

Job summary

The Agency Recruiting is seeking a Mid-Level Trusts & Estates Litigation Associate in Orange County to handle sophisticated disputes and own litigation matters from assessment through trial preparation. This role offers meaningful responsibility, collaborative teamwork, and access to modern technology.

Ideal candidates hold a JD, active California Bar, 4+ years of litigation including trusts and estates disputes, with strong research, writing, negotiation, and client communication skills.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active California State Bar in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Manage trusts and estates litigation from initial assessment through discovery, motions, mediation, and trial prep.
• Develop litigation strategies and take/defend depositions; prepare persuasive motions and legal arguments.
• Conduct in-depth legal research and draft pleadings, briefs, discovery requests, and other documents.
• Interact with clients to understand objectives, provide updates, and guide through complex disputes.
• Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate strategy, assess risks, negotiate resolutions, and pursue favorable outcomes.
• Maintain strong attention to detail while managing competing priorities and advancing matters efficiently.

Skills

Litigation

Legal Research

Legal Writing

Negotiation

Client Communication

Attention to Detail

Independent Working

Team Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

A growing law firm in Orange County is seeking a Mid-Level Trusts & Estates Litigation Associate to join its team and handle sophisticated, complex disputes involving trusts, estates, and related matters. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to take meaningful ownership of litigation matters, sharpen their advocacy skills, and work alongside a collaborative team of legal professionals.

The firm offers a compelling combination of high-quality legal work, competitive compensation, flexible work arrangements, and a manageable billable-hour expectation of approximately 1,700 hours annually. With access to modern legal technology and a team-oriented environment, this opportunity is well suited for an attorney who wants to continue building their practice while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage trusts and estates litigation matters from initial case assessment through discovery, motion practice, mediation, and trial preparation.
• Develop litigation strategies, take and defend depositions, and prepare persuasive motions and legal arguments.
• Conduct in-depth legal research and draft pleadings, briefs, discovery requests, and other litigation documents.
• Work directly with clients to understand their objectives, provide case updates, and guide them through complex legal disputes.
• Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate case strategy, assess risks, negotiate resolutions, and pursue favorable outcomes.
• Manage competing priorities, maintain strong attention to detail, and move matters forward efficiently and effectively.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Approximately 4+ years of litigation experience, including experience handling trusts and estates disputes.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Experience managing litigation matters, preparing for depositions, and handling substantive motion practice.
• Excellent client communication skills and the ability to build trusted professional relationships.
• A proactive, detail-oriented approach with the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive compensation: Annual salary range of $175,000–$225,000, plus benefits.
• Sustainable billable expectations: Approximately 1,700 billable hours annually, offering a more balanced approach to a demanding legal practice.
• Meaningful litigation work: Handle sophisticated trusts and estates disputes and continue developing your litigation expertise.
• Professional growth: Take ownership of matters, strengthen your advocacy skills, and expand your experience across the litigation process.
• Flexibility: Flexible work arrangements designed to support productivity and work-life balance.
• Modern technology: Access to contemporary legal technology that supports efficient workflows and high-quality client service.
• Collaborative culture: Work with a team that values communication, professional development, and strong legal outcomes.

The Agency Recruiting is committed to equal employment opportunity and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.