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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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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