Senior Litigation Attorney - Trust & Estate Litigation

Who We AreAt The Estate Lawyers, we fiercely protect trustees from getting sued and beneficiaries from getting screwed. Based in Southern California and rapidly expanding, we are on a mission to become the largest and most respected trust and estate litigation law firm in the state. We are a results-based team of litigation professionals known for our precision, power, and integrity among clients, judges, and referral partners alike. Our firm culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and supportive. If you're a strategic litigator looking for a firm where you can grow with intention, work with brilliant colleagues, and be recognized for your results we want to meet you.Who This Role Is ForYou’ll thrive here if you:Are a driven litigator with 5–8 years of experience (including trial, court appearances, depositions, mediations, and law and motion work)Have at least 2 years of heavy experience in trust and estate litigation and love the complexity of this areaAre looking for more ownership, more challenge, and more growthWant to join a high-performing team at our headquarters and contribute to our continued leadership in this fieldKnow how to lead a case and support staff while mentoring junior attorneysCommunicate clearly and persuasively with clients, the court, and opposing counselEmbrace feedback and know how to give it constructivelyHave trusted team members you’d love to continue working with—we’re open to growing togetherLive our values: Stay Hungry. Radical Candor. Radical Respect. Team Win / Client Win. No Jerks Allowed.This Role Is Not For You IfYou prefer a slow-paced environment and need frequent reminders to stay on trackYou avoid direct client interaction or courtroom appearancesYou find feedback difficult or struggle to give direction to support staffYou aren’t interested in contributing to a high-accountability, results-driven team cultureEducation and ExperienceActive California Bar license in good standing5–8 years of litigation experience, including depositions, court appearances, and motion practice2+ years of dedicated trust and estate litigation experienceExpert-level familiarity with the California Probate Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and Evidence CodePrior experience managing junior attorneys or paralegals is a plusWhat You’ll Be Doing (and How You’ll Know You’re Crushing It)You’ll be measured by your ability to:Lead and manage your own litigation caseload from intake to resolutionDraft strategic pleadings and strong motions with minimal oversightTake and defend depositions; prepare for hearings and trialsCommunicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and the courtMentor junior attorneys and contribute to firm-wide strategy sessionsCollaborate seamlessly with any existing team members you bring onboardCore ResponsibilitiesManage full-cycle trust and estate litigation matters through trial/resolutionSupervise and delegate to assigned paralegals and legal assistantsParticipate in regular case review meetings and trial strategy sessionsAssist in training and mentoring attorneys or legal staff as neededCollaborate across pods and offices to ensure consistent excellence and efficiencyWork closely with any trusted professionals you integrate into our firmWhat We Expect From This RoleOwnership of deadlines, outcomes, and communicationAccountability for results and proactive problem-solvingRespectful, direct communication—internally and externallyContribution to a strong, collaborative, high-performance teamWhy Join The Estate Lawyers?We’re not your typical law firm. Here’s what sets us apart:Clear path to leadership – You’ll have mentorship, feedback, and the opportunity to grow toward partnership.Compensation that rewards excellence – Competitive base salary + bonuses based on performance and impact.Forward-thinking culture – We embrace technology, systems, and structure so our team can do their best work.Amazing benefits – Unlimited PTO, 401(k) with safe harbor match, student loan repayment, full health/dental/vision, life insurance, and a flexible hybrid/remote setup.Values-driven team – We live by our core values: Stay Hungry, Radical Candor, Radical Respect, Team Win/Client Win, and No Jerks Allowed.At The Estate Lawyers, we don’t just practice law—we elevate it.Compensation & BenefitsPosition Type: Full-Time / ExemptCompensation Range: $200,000 – $350,000 based on experience, plus bonusesBenefits Include:Unlimited paid time offHealth, dental, and vision coverage with monthly firm contribution401(k) with profit sharingTech and CLE reimbursementBar dues and professional development coveredQuarterly team events and firm retreatsWork Location: On-site in either our Irvine or San Diego office, with hybrid flexibility after initial period.Ready to Take the Next Step?Email your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to: Subject Line: [Your Name] – Senior Litigation AttorneyIn your cover letter, please share:What excites you about trust and estate litigationWhy you’re drawn to The Estate LawyersWhat value you’ll bring to our teamWhether there are team members you'd like to bring with you, and whyWe can’t wait to meet you.