Managing Probate Litigation Attorney

Managing Probate Litigation Attorney | $320,000 Base + Bonuses

Location: Irvine, CA or Torrance, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Base Salary: $320,000 Annually + Performance Bonuses

Annual Billable Requirement: 1,200 Hours

Required Experience: 10+ Years of Litigation Experience

Trial Experience: Required - Must Be Confident and Prepared to Lead Trials

Compensation & Benefits

● $320,000 Annual Base Salary + Bonuses

● Discretionary performance bonuses.

● Additional bonus opportunities tied to management effectiveness, department

performance, and overall firm success.

● 5% origination fee on personally generated business.

● Three weeks of paid time off.

● 1,200 annual billable hour requirement.

● Direct involvement in significant litigation matters and trials.

● Leadership-level influence over legal strategy and department operations.

● Opportunities for continued professional growth within an expanding firm.

Our Culture

At The Legacy Lawyers, we are committed to exceptional client relationships, strong leadership,

accountability, and professional excellence.

We value attorneys who take ownership of their work, support their colleagues, and approach

litigation with preparation, confidence, and sound judgment. Our culture emphasizes service,

integrity, collaboration, and the principles of God, Family, and Country.

Position Overview

The Legacy Lawyers is a growing California probate litigation firm, seeking an accomplished

Managing Probate Litigation Attorney with extensive litigation experience, proven trial

capabilities, and the leadership skills necessary to oversee a team of attorneys.

We are looking for a true trial attorney and litigation leader. The successful candidate must

be confident in the courtroom, experienced in developing and executing trial strategies, and fully

prepared to serve as lead trial counsel on complex probate litigation matters.

This is not a traditional high-billable litigation role. The focus is on managing workflow,

supervising legal teams, ensuring process compliance, and driving performance across the

department.

The successful candidate will work closely with firm leadership and serve as a key resource for

attorney development, case strategy, and operational excellence. This position requires more

than the ability to supervise litigation from behind a desk. We need an attorney who has

successfully navigated contested litigation, understands what it takes to prepare and present a

case at trial, and can confidently step into the courtroom to lead when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

I. Trial Leadership & Litigation Strategy

● Serve as lead trial counsel in probate litigation matters when necessary, taking

responsibility for trial strategy, preparation, courtroom presentation, and execution.

● Independently lead trials from pretrial preparation through verdict or judgment.

● Demonstrate confidence, composure, and sound judgment in contested courtroom

proceedings.

● Direct trial preparation, including witness preparation, exhibits, motions in limine,

evidentiary issues, and trial presentation.

● Conduct opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments as

appropriate.

● Develop litigation strategies for complex trust, estate, conservatorship, and other

probate-related disputes.

● Provide hands-on guidance to attorneys preparing for hearings, depositions, mediations,

and trials.

● Evaluate litigation risks, strengths, weaknesses, and settlement opportunities.

● Take direct responsibility for select high-value, high-profile, or strategically significant

cases.

● Ensure attorneys under your supervision are thoroughly prepared for critical hearings

and trials.

II. Attorney Leadership & Development & Department Oversight

● Supervise, mentor, and develop probate litigation attorneys.

● Conduct regular one-on-one case management and strategy meetings.

● Guide attorneys through complex legal issues, litigation decisions, and case preparation.

● Provide practical courtroom guidance based on substantial firsthand trial experience.

● Review attorney performance, productivity, billable hours, and case management

effectiveness.

● Identify opportunities for coaching, professional development, and performance

improvement.

● Build a team of confident, accountable, and effective litigators.

● Oversee litigation workflows, case progression, and strategic priorities across the legal

department.

● Conduct structured case review meetings to evaluate deadlines, litigation strategy, and

next steps.

● Ensure attorneys are advancing their cases efficiently and proactively.

● Monitor compliance with firm policies, case management systems, and client

communication standards.

● Identify and address litigation bottlenecks, case management concerns, and

performance issues.

● Collaborate with firm leadership to improve legal department operations and overall

performance.

● Promote consistent client service, professional accountability, and operational

excellence.

Qualifications:

● Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.

● Minimum of 10 years of substantive litigation experience.

● Significant experience in probate, trust, and estate litigation.

● Demonstrated trial experience, including meaningful responsibility for trial preparation,

presentation, and courtroom advocacy.

● Confidence and proven ability to independently serve as lead trial counsel.

● Willingness and readiness to take a case to trial and assume full responsibility for

courtroom strategy and execution.

● Strong command of courtroom procedures, rules of evidence, and litigation practices.

● Ability to think strategically, respond effectively under pressure, and make sound

decisions during trial.

● Experience managing complex litigation matters from initial strategy through resolution.

● Strong leadership skills and the ability to mentor and supervise other attorneys.

● Excellent communication, organizational, and case management skills.

● Ability to work on-site five days per week in Irvine or Torrance.

Trial experience is a mandatory qualification for this position. Candidates whose

experience is primarily limited to advisory work, case management, or litigation support

without meaningful courtroom and trial experience do not meet the requirements of this

role.

Ready to Lead?

If you are an experienced probate litigator with 10+ years of litigation experience, substantial

trial experience, and the confidence to independently lead trials, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to help lead the next chapter of The Legacy Lawyers.

Pay: From $320,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person