JKZ LLP · 17 hours ago
Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates Litigation
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
5+ years expJKZ LLP is a law firm specializing in trusts and estates litigation, and they are seeking a Senior Attorney to handle complex cases and provide mentorship to junior staff. The role requires advanced litigation skills and the ability to manage high-value cases while fostering a collaborative work environment.
Law Practice
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
Preferred
Preferably holds an advanced law degree, specialization, or approved certification in practice area
Prior experience supervising or mentoring Associate Attorneys preferred
Company
JKZ LLP
At JKZ LLP, we believe that competent, dependable trust and estate representation requires expertise in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and the formation of business entities.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Deb Kinney
Of Counsel / Founding Partner
John Rueppel
Partner
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