Trusts & Estates Litigation Attorney (Probate Litigation)
Direct Hire | On-site | Los Angeles, CA
Overview
A well-established law firm is seeking an entry-to-mid-level attorney to join its Trusts & Estates Litigation practice. This role focuses on contested probate and trust matters, including will and trust disputes, fiduciary litigation, and conservatorship proceedings. The ideal candidate is a motivated litigator with strong research, writing, and advocacy skills who is eager to develop a courtroom and case-management practice within a collaborative team.
Responsibilities
Handle contested probate, trust, and estate matters, including will and trust contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, accountings disputes, and conservatorship/guardianship proceedings.Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and other litigation documents.Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on probate, trust, and fiduciary law issues.Manage discovery, including propounding and responding to written discovery and assisting with depositions.Prepare for and attend hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and third parties professionally and effectively.Assist in developing case strategy and managing matters through resolution.Maintain accurate case files, deadlines, and calendaring in compliance with firm procedures.Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.Approximately 1–5 years of litigation experience; probate, trust, or estate litigation experience strongly preferred.Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.Solid understanding of California civil procedure and litigation practice.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.Preferred Qualifications
Experience with the California Probate Code and probate court procedures.Familiarity with conservatorship and trust administration disputes.Experience managing matters with minimal supervision.Education & Experience
J.D. required; active California bar admission required.1–5 years of relevant litigation experience preferred; entry-level candidates with strong litigation fundamentals or relevant clerkship/internship experience will be considered. Read LessOverview
This role provides essential administrative and operational support within a busy law office, with primary responsibility for file and records management (approximately 70%) and secondary responsibility for front office and client services support (approximately 30%). The position ensures accurate processing, organization, retrieval, maintenance, and return of client files while supporting the overall client experience through professional communication, phone coverage, scheduling, and administrative assistance.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and solution-focused, with the ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Strong communication skills, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to exceptional client service are essential.
Records & File Management (≈70%)
Process incoming file requests for upcoming reviews and original file returns to current and former clients.Communicate professionally with current and incoming clients regarding estate file returns and required documentation.Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive client information in compliance with firm policies.Research, coordinate, and manage the retrieval and return of files from offsite storage facilities.Retrieve and organize archived digital records from firm servers and databases.Consolidate and organize documents and digital records into complete client files.Facilitate, track, and complete physical and digital file returns to clients, including mailing and electronic delivery.Scan, copy, disassemble, organize, and reassemble estate planning files of varying sizes.Identify, separate, and index documents within client files.Maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems.Coordinate file-related projects, including indexing, processing acquired practice files, and organizing archived materials.Assist management in improving records management processes and operational efficiencies.Process incoming and outgoing mail related to client records and documentation.Update and maintain client records and databases.Prepare and process client documents in advance of meetings and reviews.Client Services & Administrative Support (≈30%)
Answer, screen, and route incoming calls professionally and courteously.Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for clients, visitors, and prospective clients in person, by phone, and via email.Conduct initial phone screenings for prospective clients by gathering information, answering questions, and explaining firm procedures and services.Listen to client concerns with empathy and provide appropriate assistance or direction.Support attorneys and team members with calendar management, appointment scheduling, meeting confirmations, and schedule updates.Assist with marketing event preparation, registration tracking, and client communications.Provide general administrative support to attorneys and staff as needed.Maintain conference rooms, reception areas, and common office spaces throughout the day.Monitor office supply inventory and coordinate ordering.Assist with additional administrative projects as assigned.Required Skills & Qualifications
Excellent organizational and time management skills.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.Professional phone and client service etiquette.Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills.Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and database/CRM systems.Experience with Lawcus or similar case management systems preferred.Ability to type a minimum of 45 WPM preferred.Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation required for occasional travel between office locations.Education & Experience
High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.2–4 years of administrative, records management, client service, or law firm experience preferred.Entry-level candidates will be considered. Read LessScope Maintains the organization's vendor and contract records, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
Supervision Receives general supervision from the Community Services Director and/or Consumer Services Supervisor.
Essential Duties (The following are representative of the duties performed in this role. Additional duties may be assigned.)
Receives and screens vendorization inquiries and provides information in accordance with applicable law and organizational policy. Reviews completed applications for accuracy and routes them appropriately.Verifies vendor licenses and credentials and maintains tickler (reminder) systems for periodic review. Notifies vendors, relevant staff, and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) of approved vendorizations, rate actions, and other changes.Assigns vendor numbers and establishes and maintains both paper files and computer databases for all vendors.Analyzes vendor applications to ensure compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and organizational policy.Receives, tracks, and monitors vendor contracts through to completion.Prepares memos, reports, and correspondence related to contract and vendorization functions, and performs general clerical work as assigned.Maintains and updates SANDIS, UFS, the contract database, and the rate table as needed.Creates, maintains, and updates reports tracking all contracts, vendorization requests, and related projects.
Employment Guidelines
Knowledge
General office practices and proceduresBasic accounting principles
Skills & Abilities
Strong organizational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detailEffective documentation, tracking, and follow-throughComputer database management and general computer proficiencyProficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OutlookAbility to communicate complex information clearlyAccurate and efficient typingAbility to work effectively with diverse groups of people Read Less