Litigation Associate

Trust & Estate Litigation Associate (3+ Years Experience)

Location: San Mateo, CA (Primarily In-Office, with Hybrid or Remote options considered for the right candidate)
Position Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: 3+ Years
Billable Requirement: 1,500 hours annually
Base Salary: $165,000 – $195,000 DOE

About Us

We do things differently. We are a specialized trust, estate, and fiduciary litigation firm located in San Mateo, California. We pride ourselves on being highly selective about the cases we take on, allowing us to focus entirely on high-quality, impactful legal work.

We believe that exceptional litigators perform best when they aren’t burned out. We value quality and efficiency over sheer volume. By setting a highly reasonable 1,500 annual billable hour requirement (roughly 29 hours a week), we give our attorneys the breathing room to craft superior legal strategies, maintain a genuine work-life balance, and deliver elite results for our clients.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated, skilled Litigation Associate with 3+ years of experience to manage a sophisticated caseload. You will handle high-stakes probate litigation, including trustee/beneficiary disputes, fiduciary litigation (including accountings and surcharges), and financial elder abuse cases.

There is zero pressure or expectation for business development in this role; your focus will be entirely on case execution and client advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management: Take ownership of litigation matters from initial intake through resolution under partner supervision.
• Core Litigation: Draft pleadings, propound and respond to discovery, write and argue substantive motions, and represent clients in court appearances.
• Advocacy & Hearings: Prepare for and represent clients in court hearings, mediations, mandatory settlement conferences, and depositions.
• Trials: Assist with or lead trial preparation (first-chair or second-chair trial experience is a major plus).
• Counsel: Provide strategic planning, trust administration guidance, and compassionate counsel to clients navigating sensitive family and financial disputes.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: 3+ years of active litigation experience. Specific experience in trust and estate litigation, probate, or fiduciary disputes is strongly preferred, but general commercial litigators with a strong desire to specialize are welcome to apply.
• Skills: Proven track record handling depositions, discovery disputes, motions, hearings, and court appearances.
• Efficiency: Because we keep our billable target at 1,500 hours, you must be a highly organized, efficient worker who can drive cases forward without administrative hand-holding.
• Writing: Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills are required.
• Credentials: Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.

What We Offer (Compensation & Benefits)

• Competitive Base Salary: $165,000 to $195,000 (depending on experience).
• Workplace Flexibility: While this position is primarily in-office at our San Mateo location, we are open to hybrid or fully remote arrangements for the right California-licensed candidate.

Pay: $165,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person