The posting
The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates independently manages and leads matters involving estate planning, trust formation and administration, probate proceedings, fiduciary representation, asset distribution, tax-related matters, and contested trust or estate disputes. This role requires advanced legal judgment, strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to supervise staff, manage workload distribution, and oversee complex caseloads efficiently. The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates serves as a strategic advisor to clients, provides guidance and mentorship to associates and support staff, and collaborates closely with partners to advance client objectives and firm goals. The position demands exceptional research, writing, and communication skills, a proactive and self-directed approach to practice management, and a commitment to fostering teamwork, accountability, and a 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.
Direct Reports:
May supervise Associate Attorneys, paralegals, and support staff as assigned; however, all practice area legal support personnel and attorneys report to the practice area partner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities, including but not limited to:
The following sections 1 through 5 include all duties and responsibilities which are typical of Senior Attorney’s duties in the Trusts & Estates department. However, depending on the role, a Senior Attorney may be more heavily involved in certain sections within the department. Sections 6 and 7 are applicable to all Senior Attorneys.
1. Legal Drafting, Review & Advocacy • Draft and review wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents, tax analysis and compliance. • Prepare and supervise probate petitions, trust administration pleadings, fiduciary accountings, objections, and settlement agreements. • Draft and review persuasive briefs, declarations, and supporting filings in contested probate and trust litigation matters. • Represent clients in probate court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trust or estate trials. • Prepare and review federal gift and estate tax returns, including Forms 706 and 709, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
2. Case Strategy, Oversight & Workload Management • Manage a diverse trusts and estates caseload, including estate planning, probate, trust administration, and fiduciary disputes. • Develop case strategies and timelines, identifying legal, financial, and tax issues impacting asset distribution, fiduciary duties, and beneficiary rights. • Supervise and coordinate the work of paralegals and support staff by assigning tasks, setting priorities, monitoring workloads, and ensuring timely completion. • Review staff work product for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to firm standards. • Track deadlines, filings, notices, and court requirements to ensure full compliance with statutory and procedural rules.
3. Client Counseling & Relationship Management • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, advising on estate planning strategies, probate and trust administration processes, and dispute resolution options. • Communicate complex legal and tax concepts in a clear, practical, and client focused manner. • Review and interpret asset inventories, fiduciary accountings, tax documents, and financial records in coordination with staff. • Maintain professional, compassionate communication with clients, beneficiaries, trustees, and personal representatives, particularly in emotionally sensitive matters.
4. Legal Research, Financial Analysis & Guidance • Conduct and oversee legal research on trusts and estates statutes, tax regulations, case law, and local probate court procedures. • Analyze financial data including asset valuations, trust accountings, estate expenses, and tax filings. • Identify tax implications and coordinate with accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals as needed. • Prepare and review legal memoranda and strategic recommendations to guide case direction and client decision-making.
5. Court Appearances, Negotiation & Resolution • Appear in probate court for petitions, accountings, contested hearings, and trials. • Lead and participate in settlement negotiations and mediations involving trust and estate disputes. • Present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and argue motions in contested matters. • Draft, review, and negotiate settlement agreements, stipulations, and court orders resolving probate and trust issues.
6. Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Development • 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.
7. Performance & Productivity Requirements. • 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).
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform all essential duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and physical and mental abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mental Demands • 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.
Physical Demands & Work Environment • Prolonged periods of sitting, reading, and working at a computer. • Occasional lifting of files or materials up to 15 pounds. • Occasional travel to court, client meetings, or other legal proceedings. • Work is performed in a professional office environment.
Education & Experience • Active Member of the State Bar of California. • Experience with NumberCruncher and law firm client management software preferred. • Minimum 5–10 years recent experience in trusts & estates practice area. • Preferably holds an advanced law degree, specialization, or approved certification in practice area. • Prior experience supervising or mentoring Associate Attorneys preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • 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
