Associate Attorney - Trust and Estate Litigation
Orion Placement
Listing collected from Orion Placement's career site. NextChapter is independent of Orion Placement.
Irvine, CA · Posted October 15, 2026
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November 2026
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Pay compared with the market
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About the job
Pay: $150,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year
Why This Is a Great Opportunity
Join a highly focused litigation practice where trust and estate disputes are the core of the work, not a small part of a broader estate planning practice
Handle sophisticated, high-stakes matters involving contested trusts, wills, fiduciary misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, financial elder abuse, and related disputes
Work directly with experienced litigators and receive mentorship, feedback, and a clear path for growth
Take real ownership of cases, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, hearings, settlement strategy, and trial preparation
Be part of a fast-growing, values-driven team that rewards strong performance, accountability, and client impact
Enjoy a competitive compensation package, performance-based bonuses, unlimited PTO, strong benefits, professional development support, and hybrid flexibility
Location
This is a hybrid role based out of our Irvine, California office. Candidates should be able to work in the office as needed, with relocation considered for the right candidate.
Note
Must have an active California Bar license in good standing, 3+ years of litigation experience, and 2+ years of trust and estate litigation experience. Estate planning experience alone is not sufficient for this role.
About Us
Confidential Employer. We are a rapidly growing Southern California litigation firm focused exclusively on trust and estate disputes. Our team represents clients in complex, sensitive, and high-value matters involving contested trusts and wills, fiduciary disputes, elder financial abuse, and related probate litigation. We are known for strategic advocacy, strong client communication, and a collaborative team culture built around excellence, accountability, and respect.
Job Description
Manage a caseload of trust and estate litigation matters under the direction of senior attorneys and partners
Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence, settlement materials, and other litigation documents
Handle written discovery, document review, meet-and-confer efforts, and case strategy
Take and defend depositions, prepare witnesses, and participate in hearings, mediations, and trial preparation
Analyze complex trust, probate, fiduciary duty, and estate dispute issues
Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, courts, experts, and internal team members in a clear and professional manner
Work closely with paralegals, legal assistants, junior attorneys, and partners to move cases forward efficiently
Identify leverage points, litigation risks, and practical resolution strategies
Contribute to a high-performing team that values preparation, precision, responsiveness, and strong client service
Qualifications
Active California Bar license in good standing
3+ years of litigation experience
2+ years of trust and estate litigation experience
Experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, and trial preparation
Strong familiarity with California litigation procedure, probate litigation, and related court rules
Ability to manage deadlines, competing priorities, and a sophisticated caseload
Strong writing, research, analysis, and client communication skills
High emotional intelligence and professionalism in sensitive family and fiduciary disputes
Comfortable receiving feedback, using technology, and working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
Why You Will Love Working Here
Focused practice area with meaningful, complex, and intellectually engaging litigation work
Supportive team culture with mentorship, direct feedback, and room to grow
Opportunity to build toward leadership and long-term advancement
Performance-based bonuses and a compensation structure that rewards results
Hybrid flexibility with a collaborative in-office culture
Unlimited PTO, 401(k) safe harbor match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, student loan repayment, and paid professional development
A values-driven environment built around strong work, mutual respect, team wins, and client wins
JPC-1018
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Health insurance
Life insurance
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance