Trust and Estates Attorney

Key Responsibilities: Manage a caseload of contested probate, trust, guardianship, and estate litigation matters from intake through disposition, including settlement and trial preparation. Draft and file pleadings, motions, briefs, demand letters, settlement agreements, accountings, and other litigation documents. Conduct factual and legal investigation, respond to and propound discovery, analyze evidence, and prepare exhibits for hearings and trial. Take and defend depositions, prepare witnesses, and present matters at mediations, hearings, and jury or bench trials. Advise clients, trustees, executors, and beneficiaries on litigation strategy, fiduciary duties, potential outcomes, and settlement options. Collaborate with estate planning and tax colleagues to evaluate nonlitigation solutions and minimize client exposure. Prepare and review fiduciary accountings, petitions for account settlement, petitions for probate, trust administration documents, and related filings. Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure timely and high-quality work product. Maintain strong client communication, manage expectations, and provide clear updates on case status and next steps. Stay current on probate, trust, and fiduciary law developments, court rules, and local practices to ensure compliance and effective advocacy.

Qualifications: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar admission in the relevant state. 3+ years of civil litigation experience with a substantial focus on probate, trusts, and estate litigation; trial experience preferred. Demonstrated experience with probate administration, trust disputes, fiduciary accounting, and estate-related pleadings. Strong legal research and writing skills with a track record of drafting persuasive motions, briefs, and settlement documents. Proven courtroom experience, including hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials. Excellent negotiation, client counseling, and interpersonal skills; ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to clients and fiduciaries. Familiarity with estate planning concepts and ability to coordinate litigation strategy with estate planning and tax considerations. Ability to manage multiple matters, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. High ethical standards, attention to detail, and commitment to professional responsibility.

Preferred: knowledge of state probate codes and local court procedures, ADR experience, and experience supervising junior attorneys.

Key skills: Civil Litigation, Probate, Trusts, Estate Planning, Estates, Litigation, Attorney.