Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates Litigation

Exemption Status: Exempt

Remote Options/Office Hours: On-Site/Hybrid

Classification: Attorney

Reports To: Practice Area Manager

Summary of Position:

The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates Litigation plays a key leadership role within the firm, handling complex trusts & estates litigation matters and providing guidance, mentorship, and strategic oversight to Associates and support staff. This position requires advanced litigation and negotiation skills, strong judgment, and the ability to independently manage high-value, multi-issue trusts & estates litigation cases. This role requires a high level of autonomy, initiative, and the ability to mentor junior attorneys and paralegals while fostering a collaborative and 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:

1. Legal Drafting & Advocacy

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, declarations, objections, and settlement agreements for contested trust and estate litigation.

• Represent clients in court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.

2. Case Strategy & Matter Management

• Oversee contested trusts and estates cases, including fiduciary disputes, will contests, breach of trust claims, and asset distribution conflicts.

• Identify and analyze legal and financial issues affecting fiduciary duties, beneficiary rights, and tax implications.

• Supervise paralegals and support staff, managing workloads, delegating tasks, and ensuring accurate and timely filings.

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, court rules, and litigation deadlines.

3. Client Counseling & Communication

• Advise clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries on litigation strategy and dispute resolution options.

• Review financial records, fiduciary accountings, and tax documents relevant to contested matters.

• Maintain professional, clear, and compassionate communication with clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and personal representatives.

4. Legal Research & Financial Analysis

• Conduct research on trusts and estates statutes, case law, tax rules, and local probate court procedures relevant to litigation.

• Analyze complex financial information, including asset valuations, trust accountings, and estate-related tax matters.

• Prepare strategic legal memoranda and recommendations based on research and analysis.

5. Court & Negotiation Work

• Appear in probate court for contested hearings, petitions, accountings, and trials.

• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations involving trust and estate disputes.

• Present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue motions in contested matters.

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)

Knowledge, Experience and Skills Requirements:

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.

1. 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.

2. Physical Demands and Work Environment

• For on-site employees: Work in a standard office environment with frequent interaction across multiple departments.

• For hybrid/remote employees: Maintain a remote workspace that supports confidentiality and consistent internet connectivity for virtual meetings and system access.

• 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

3. Education and Experience

• Active Member of the State Bar of California.

• Five (5) to ten (10) years of recent experience in civil or trusts & estates litigation practice areas.

• Preferably holds an advanced law degree, specialization, or approved certification in practice area.

• Prior experience supervising or mentoring Associate Attorneys preferred.

4. Knowledge, Skills and 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.

Additional Information:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. JKZ LLP is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We comply with the ADA and other applicable laws and consider reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities that may be necessary for individuals to perform essential functions.