Mid Level Trusts & Estates Litigation Attorney
4 days ago
Oakland
Donahue Fitzgerald is a highly respected and growing law firm with a strong commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. Our Trusts and Estates Litigation practice is a cornerstone of our firm, recognized for its sophisticated handling of complex and high-stakes disputes. We pride ourselves on a collaborative environment, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance. We represent a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations, in all aspects of trust and estate controversies. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Trust & Estates Litigation Attorney to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of dedicated experience in trust, estate, and conservatorship litigation in California. This role offers the opportunity to manage a diverse caseload, work closely with partners, and take a lead role in all phases of litigation, from initial case assessment through trial and appeal. We believe in rewarding hard work. Our attorneys have a minimum billable hour requirement of 1,610 hours per year. For those who meet or exceed this goal, our tiered bonus program provides a clear path to increase your earnings significantly. The annual base salary for this position is $165,000 to $195,000. Depending on billable hours, total compensation can range from $207,000 at the lower end of the salary range to $245,000 at the higher end. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Manage and litigate complex trust, estate, and conservatorship disputes, including but not limited to: • Will and trust contests (e.g., undue influence, lack of capacity, fraud), • Breach of fiduciary duty claims against trustees, executors, and conservators, • Petitions for instructions and accountings, • Spousal property petitions, • Elder abuse actions (financial and physical), • Conservatorship contested matters, • Probate and trust administration disputes, • Conduct legal research and analysis, draft pleadings, motions, and briefs., • Handle all aspects of discovery, including propounding and responding to written discovery, and taking/defending depositions., • Prepare for and attend court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials., • Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel., • Develop and implement effective case strategies., • Collaborate with partners and other attorneys on complex matters., • Mentor junior attorneys and support staff as needed., • Maintain accurate time records and ensure compliance with billing requirements. Qualifications: • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school., • Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar., • 5+ years of demonstrable experience specializing in California Trust & Estates Litigation., • Strong understanding of the California Probate Code, related statutes, and case law., • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to draft persuasive legal documents and advocate effectively in court., • Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills., • Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment., • Strong interpersonal skills and a client-focused approach., • Experience with trial preparation and courtroom advocacy is highly preferred., • A proven track record of successfully resolving complex litigation matters., • Ability to work a hybrid schedule of 3 days in the office after completing 90 days of employment. What We Offer: • Competitive salary commensurate with experience., • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance., • 401(k) plan, • Generous paid time off and holidays., • Professional development opportunities, • A collegial and supportive work environment., • Opportunity for significant growth and advancement within the firm. To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in this position, along with a resume and writing sample (e.g., legal brief, motion, or significant portion of a pleading) demonstrating their litigation drafting skills. Please send your application materials to with the subject line: Trust & Estates Litigation Attorney. Donahue Fitzgerald LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The salary range for this position applies to California. The salary range reflects a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for a position. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $165,000 to $195,000.