Probate Litigation Associate

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: On-Site, Five Days a Week

Location: California

Annual Salary: 120,000–170,000 + Benefits

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven Probate Litigation Associate Attorney with 2–3 years of litigation experience to join our legal team. The ideal candidate has strong courtroom presence, is comfortable taking first-chair responsibility, and has the confidence to argue matters before the court.

This role requires a hands-on litigator with strong discovery skills, excellent legal writing and analytical abilities, and the tenacity to advocate effectively for clients. Experience in probate, trust, and estate litigation is highly preferred. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing cases from inception through trial.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and analyze legal issues involving trust, estate, and probate litigation matters.

• Draft and review pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, memoranda, and other legal documents.

• Manage litigation matters from inception through trial, including discovery, case strategy, and trial preparation.

• Take first-chair responsibility when appropriate and confidently argue motions and other matters before probate courts.

• Prepare for and make regular court appearances, advocating effectively on behalf of clients.

• Assist with probate administrations, from the initiation of proceedings through final discharge.

• Handle conservatorship and guardianship matters and assist with client representation throughout the proceedings.

• Collaborate with partners and team members to deliver timely, high-quality legal work.

• Adapt quickly to firm processes, technology, and specialized areas of practice.

• Take on additional projects and responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Active membership in the California State Bar.

• 2–3 years of demonstrated litigation experience in any legal practice area.

• Probate, trust, and estate litigation experience strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to take first-chair responsibility and argue cases or motions before the court.

• Proficiency in all phases of discovery, including drafting, managing, and responding to discovery.

• Strong courtroom presence, advocacy skills, and the ability to litigate assertively and effectively.

• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Comfortable working independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.

• Willingness to work full-time, on-site, five days a week.

• Experience in doing litigation work for a local firm