Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates

The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates independently manages and leads matters involving estate planning, trust formation and administration, probate proceedings, fiduciary representation, asset distribution, tax-related matters, and contested trust or estate disputes. This role requires advanced legal judgment, strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to supervise staff, manage workload distribution, and oversee complex caseloads efficiently. The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates serves as a strategic advisor to clients, provides guidance and mentorship to associates and support staff, and collaborates closely with partners to advance client objectives and firm goals. The position demands exceptional research, writing, and communication skills, a proactive and self-directed approach to practice management, and a commitment to fostering teamwork, accountability, and a positive firm culture.

JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Senior Attorneys are expected to model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and to consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard.

Direct Reports:

May supervise Associate Attorneys, paralegals, and support staff as assigned; however, all practice area legal support personnel and attorneys report to the practice area partner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities, including but not limited to:

The following sections 1 through 5 include all duties and responsibilities which are typical of Senior Attorney’s duties in the Trusts & Estates department. However, depending on the role, a Senior Attorney may be more heavily involved in certain sections within the department. Sections 6 and 7 are applicable to all Senior Attorneys.

1. Legal Drafting, Review & Advocacy
• Draft and review wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives,
and related estate planning documents, tax analysis and compliance.
• Prepare and supervise probate petitions, trust administration pleadings, fiduciary
accountings, objections, and settlement agreements.
• Draft and review persuasive briefs, declarations, and supporting filings in contested
probate and trust litigation matters.
• Represent clients in probate court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and
trust or estate trials.
• Prepare and review federal gift and estate tax returns, including Forms 706 and 709,
ensuring accuracy and compliance.

2. Case Strategy, Oversight & Workload Management
• Manage a diverse trusts and estates caseload, including estate planning, probate,
trust administration, and fiduciary disputes.
• Develop case strategies and timelines, identifying legal, financial, and tax issues
impacting asset distribution, fiduciary duties, and beneficiary rights.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of paralegals and support staff by assigning
tasks, setting priorities, monitoring workloads, and ensuring timely completion.
• Review staff work product for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to firm
standards.
• Track deadlines, filings, notices, and court requirements to ensure full compliance
with statutory and procedural rules.

3. Client Counseling & Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, advising on estate planning
strategies, probate and trust administration processes, and dispute resolution
options.
• Communicate complex legal and tax concepts in a clear, practical, and client
focused manner.
• Review and interpret asset inventories, fiduciary accountings, tax documents, and
financial records in coordination with staff.
• Maintain professional, compassionate communication with clients, beneficiaries,
trustees, and personal representatives, particularly in emotionally sensitive matters.

4. Legal Research, Financial Analysis & Guidance
• Conduct and oversee legal research on trusts and estates statutes, tax regulations,
case law, and local probate court procedures.
• Analyze financial data including asset valuations, trust accountings, estate
expenses, and tax filings.
• Identify tax implications and coordinate with accountants, financial advisors, and
other professionals as needed.
• Prepare and review legal memoranda and strategic recommendations to guide
case direction and client decision-making.

5. Court Appearances, Negotiation & Resolution
• Appear in probate court for petitions, accountings, contested hearings, and trials.
• Lead and participate in settlement negotiations and mediations involving trust and
estate disputes.
• Present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and argue motions in
contested matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate settlement agreements, stipulations, and court orders
resolving probate and trust issues.

6. Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Development
• Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to Associates and staff to
support skill development and professional growth.
• Participate in at least eight (8) professional or business development activities (4 of
which can be attendance) annually (beyond mandatory MCLE).
• Demonstrate leadership in promoting a positive workplace culture aligned with
firm values.

7. Performance & Productivity Requirements.
• Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements.
• Consistent billing realization 95% or higher.
• Consistent collections realization of 90% or higher.
• Contribute to firm growth through annual origination of at least $500,000 in new
business).

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform all essential
duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and physical and
mental abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mental Demands
• Excellent critical thinking, judgment, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and
high-level cognitive functioning.
• Ability to remain composed, strategic, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or
emotionally charged situations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
• Prolonged periods of sitting, reading, and working at a computer.
• Occasional lifting of files or materials up to 15 pounds.
• Occasional travel to court, client meetings, or other legal proceedings.
• Work is performed in a professional office environment.

Education & Experience
• Active Member of the State Bar of California.
• Experience with NumberCruncher and law firm client management software
preferred.
• Minimum 5–10 years recent experience in trusts & estates practice area.
• Preferably holds an advanced law degree, specialization, or approved certification
in practice area.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring Associate Attorneys preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Communicates promptly, clearly, and professionally with clients, colleagues, and
internal stakeholders, ensuring matters advance efficiently.
• Demonstrates advanced legal research, writing, analytical, and strategic problem
solving skills across complex matters.
• Exhibits strong professional judgment, reliability, and accountability with respect
to work product, deadlines, and case milestones.
• Maintains discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive client
information and confidential firm matters.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and modern law firm practice
management software.
• Excellent command of English, including grammar, usage, form, and style