Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney (2-5 Years)

Location: Newport Beach, CA
Compensation: $140,000 - $200,000 annually (DOE)
Schedule: Full-time | In-Person
Practice Focus: Trust & Estate Litigation | Probate Litigation | Fiduciary Litigation

The Role

This opportunity is ideal for a litigation attorney with 2-5 years of trust and estate experience who is ready to take ownership of sophisticated matters and play a hands-on role in high-stakes probate and fiduciary disputes. The position offers meaningful responsibility, courtroom exposure, and the chance to work on complex cases from inception through resolution in a collaborative, strategy-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage trust and estate litigation matters independently from intake through resolution

• Develop case strategy, budgets, and litigation timelines

• Draft and argue pleadings, motions, discovery, trial briefs, and settlement agreements

• Conduct and defend depositions; oversee written discovery and e-discovery

• Represent clients at mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances

• Communicate directly with clients, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, experts, and opposing counsel

• Collaborate closely with paralegals and litigation support professionals

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of recent trust and estate litigation experience, including probate and fiduciary disputes

• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills

• Proven ability to manage a litigation caseload with minimal supervision

• Strategic thinker with excellent attention to detail and sense of urgency

• Active member in good standing with the California State Bar

• Ability to work onsite in Newport Beach, CA

Preferred Experience

• First- or second-chair trial experience in probate or civil litigation

• Exposure to contested accountings, will and trust contests, breach of fiduciary duty, surcharge and removal actions, undue influence, and elder abuse claims

• Familiarity with e-discovery platforms, case management systems, and trial preparation tools

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $140,000 - $200,000 (DOE)

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • 401(k) with employer matching

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement plan

  • Additional benefits discussed during the interview process