Description:

We're looking for more than an associate—we're looking for someone who wants to build a career. If you're intellectually curious, proactive, and thrive on solving challenging legal problems, we'd like to meet you.

This position is ideal for a go-getter who takes ownership of projects, enjoys learning, and is eager to become a trusted advisor to clients.

What You'll Do:

Research and analyze complex legal issues involving trusts, estates, taxation, and business entities.
Draft petitions, pleadings, and supporting documents in trust administration proceedings.
Prepare sophisticated estate planning documents and business planning agreements.
Assist in developing creative planning strategies for high-net-worth clients and business owners.
Work directly with partners on challenging legal matters.
Take increasing responsibility for client matters as your experience grows.

Who You Are:
You are someone who:

Takes initiative rather than waiting for assignments.
Is driven to become an exceptional attorney.
Enjoys writing, research, and solving difficult legal issues.
Has outstanding attention to detail and produces high-quality work.
Is organized, dependable, and accountable.
Communicates professionally with clients and colleagues.
Wants to be part of a growing firm where hard work and initiative are recognized.

Qualifications:

Active member of the California State Bar.
Excellent legal research and writing skills.
Strong academic credentials.
Estate planning, trust administration, probate, tax, or business law experience is preferred but not required for an outstanding candidate with the right attitude and aptitude.

What we offer:

Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities.
Retirement benefits.
Direct mentorship from experienced attorneys.
Early responsibility and meaningful client exposure.
A collaborative environment with significant opportunities for professional growth.
A clear path for advancement for attorneys who consistently demonstrate initiative, excellent judgment, and a commitment to outstanding client service.
If you're looking for a place to simply punch the clock, this isn't it. If you're looking for a place where your work matters, your ideas are valued, and your career can accelerate based on your performance, we'd love to hear from you.

Senior Associate Attorney – Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Business Planning

About Us:
We are a growing Orange County boutique law firm representing high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and closely held businesses in sophisticated estate planning, trust administration, taxation, and business planning matters. Our firm is known for providing practical, strategic counsel and exceptional client service in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.

We are seeking an experienced attorney who is motivated to build a long-term practice and is looking for the opportunity to take ownership of client matters while being rewarded for both exceptional legal work and business development.

The Opportunity:
This is an excellent opportunity for a self-starter who enjoys handling sophisticated legal matters, takes pride in producing high-quality work, and is interested in growing with a boutique firm that values initiative and entrepreneurial thinking.

The position includes substantial responsibility, direct client interaction, and the opportunity to help expand an already successful practice.

Responsibilities:

Research and analyze complex legal issues involving trusts, estates, taxation, and business entities.
Draft petitions and pleadings in trust administration and probate proceedings.
Prepare sophisticated estate planning documents, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advanced wealth transfer planning documents.
Draft and review corporate governance documents, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, buy-sell agreements, and other business planning documents.
Advise fiduciaries and beneficiaries in trust administration matters.
Manage client matters efficiently while delivering exceptional client service.
Develop and maintain relationships with clients and referral sources.

Qualifications:

Active member of the California State Bar.
5+ years of experience in estate planning, trust administration, probate, taxation, business planning, or a related practice area.
Trusts & Estates Litigators Encouraged to Apply. We recognize the unique value that trust and estate litigators bring to a planning practice. Attorneys with litigation experience possess a deep understanding of fiduciary duties, trust administration, probate procedures, and the issues that lead to disputes. This position offers the opportunity to leverage that experience in a sophisticated transactional practice focused on helping clients proactively achieve their estate, tax, and business planning objectives while minimizing the risk of future litigation. If you are looking to transition from litigation to a strategic advisory role without sacrificing intellectually challenging work, we encourage you to apply. This role provides the opportunity to continue working on complex trust and estate matters in a collaborative, strategic environment without the demands of active litigation, court appearances, or discovery, allowing attorneys to focus on creative problem-solving and long-term client relationships.
Excellent legal research, drafting, and analytical skills.
Strong organizational and case management abilities.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues.
A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to excellence.

Compensation & Benefits:
We offer acompetitive compensation package, including:

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Attractive origination bonus structure that rewards attorneys for developing and maintaining client relationships.
Performance-based bonuses.
Retirement benefits.
A collegial work environment with a clear opportunity for long-term growth and leadership.

Join our team:
If you are an experienced attorney seeking sophisticated legal work, meaningful client relationships, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to be rewarded for building your practice, we invite you to apply.

Qualified applicants should email their cover letter and resume. Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide a writing sample.

Salary is dependent on applicant's experience.