Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates Litigation

Jkz Llp•San Francisco, CA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates Litigation plays a key leadership role within the firm, handling complex trusts & estates litigation matters and providing guidance, mentorship, and strategic oversight to Associates and support staff. This position requires advanced litigation and negotiation skills, strong judgment, and the ability to independently manage high-value, multi-issue trusts & estates litigation cases. This role requires a high level of autonomy, initiative, and the ability to mentor junior attorneys and paralegals while fostering a collaborative and positive firm culture. JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Senior Attorneys are expected to model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and to consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard.

Requirements

Excellent critical thinking, judgment, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and high-level cognitive functioning.
Ability to remain composed, strategic, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
Active Member of the State Bar of California.
Five (5) to ten (10) years of recent experience in civil or trusts & estates litigation practice areas.
Communicates promptly, clearly, and professionally with clients, colleagues, and internal stakeholders, ensuring matters advance efficiently.
Demonstrates advanced legal research, writing, analytical, and strategic problem-solving skills across complex matters.
Exhibits strong professional judgment, reliability, and accountability with respect to work product, deadlines, and case milestones.
Maintains discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive client information and confidential firm matters.
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and modern law firm practice management software
Excellent command of English, including grammar, usage, form, and style.

Nice To Haves

Preferably holds an advanced law degree, specialization, or approved certification in practice area.
Prior experience supervising or mentoring Associate Attorneys preferred.

Responsibilities

Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, declarations, objections, and settlement agreements for contested trust and estate litigation.
Represent clients in court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
Oversee contested trusts and estates cases, including fiduciary disputes, will contests, breach of trust claims, and asset distribution conflicts.
Identify and analyze legal and financial issues affecting fiduciary duties, beneficiary rights, and tax implications.
Supervise paralegals and support staff, managing workloads, delegating tasks, and ensuring accurate and timely filings.
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, court rules, and litigation deadlines.
Advise clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries on litigation strategy and dispute resolution options.
Review financial records, fiduciary accountings, and tax documents relevant to contested matters.
Maintain professional, clear, and compassionate communication with clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and personal representatives.
Conduct research on trusts and estates statutes, case law, tax rules, and local probate court procedures relevant to litigation.
Analyze complex financial information, including asset valuations, trust accountings, and estate-related tax matters.
Prepare strategic legal memoranda and recommendations based on research and analysis.
Appear in probate court for contested hearings, petitions, accountings, and trials.
Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations involving trust and estate disputes.
Present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue motions in contested matters.
Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to Associates and staff to support skill development and professional growth.
Participate in at least eight (8) professional or business development activities (4 of which can be attendance) annually (beyond mandatory MCLE).
Demonstrate leadership in promoting a positive workplace culture aligned with firm values.
Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements.
Consistent billing realization 95% or higher.
Consistent collections realization of 90% or higher.
Contribute to firm growth through annual origination of at least $500,000 in new business)