Trusts & Estates Associate — Private Wealth

Withers; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 205,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Withers seeks an experienced Private Client & Tax associate in San Diego or San Francisco. The role focuses on sophisticated estate planning and administration for high‑net‑worth clients, including cross‑border matters and charitable planning. You will work closely with partners, paralegals, and peers to manage matters end‑to‑end.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years within a trusts & estates practice, a JD, and CA bar admission; a Tax LL.M. is a plus.

Qualifications

• J.D. required; Tax LL.M. a plus.
• 3–5 years experience in a law firm Trusts & Estates group.
• California bar membership is required.
• Proven ability to manage a busy practice with deadlines and ownership of projects.
• Mentorship of junior team members and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as independent contributor and coordinator driving matters forward.
• Bridge day-to-day execution with strategic work on complex estates.
• Structure and draft revocable and irrevocable estate plans.
• Prepare and review estate and gift tax returns; interact with ultra-high-net-worth clients.
• Manage post-mortem trust administration and prudent fiduciary guidance.
• Engage in business development and relationship building with private wealth contacts.

Skills

Time management

Mentorship

Client relations

Problem solving

Education

J.D. / JD

Tax LL.M. a plus

California Bar admission

Job description

Withers seeks an experienced Private Client & Tax associate in San Diego or San Francisco. The role focuses on sophisticated estate planning and administration for high‑net‑worth clients, including cross‑border matters and charitable planning. You will work closely with partners, paralegals, and peers to manage matters end‑to‑end.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years within a trusts & estates practice, a JD, and CA bar admission; a Tax LL.M. is a plus.