Senior Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney (Port...
Job Description:
Senior Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney (Portable Practice Required)
Location: Hybrid – San Mateo, San Jose, or Pleasanton, CA
Compensation: $200,000 – $275,000 base salary
Additional Compensation: Incentive compensation of 10%–20% of fees paid, depending on production
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Opportunity
HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for a distinguished multi-service California law firm seeking a Senior Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney to join its established and highly regarded Trusts & Estates Litigation group.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced practitioner with deep expertise in trust and probate disputes, demonstrated business development ability, and a portable book of business. The firm offers a collaborative platform, meaningful autonomy, and long-term opportunity for practice growth and leadership.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned litigator who brings strong regional client relationships and is ready to expand a sophisticated litigation practice across the South Bay or East Bay.
Key Responsibilities
Candidates will be considered for interview based on demonstrated success serving as lead counsel in complex Trust & Estate litigation, including:
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Represent trustees, executors, administrators, and beneficiaries in high-stakes trust and probate disputes
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Handle matters involving:
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Will and trust contests (lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud)
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Breach of fiduciary duty claims (self-dealing, secret profits, failure of impartiality)
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Removal and surcharge actions
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Co-trustee and beneficiary disputes
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Failure to account or contested accountings
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Negligent management of trust or estate assets
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Represent seniors and families in financial elder abuse litigation
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Serve as strategic advisor and primary point of contact for clients throughout all litigation phases
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Supervise, mentor, and support the development of junior attorneys
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Contribute meaningfully to practice group growth through client development and community presence
Only attorneys with substantial trust litigation depth and demonstrated client-building capability will be considered.
Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
These qualifications are mandatory. Candidates who do not meet all requirements will not be considered.
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Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
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Active California State Bar membership in good standing
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8+ years of dedicated Trust & Estate litigation experience (minimum)
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Experience at an AmLaw 200 firm and/or a highly respected midsize or regional firm
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Portable book of business required
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Demonstrated ability to originate, expand, and maintain client relationships
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Strong written advocacy, courtroom presence, and client counseling skills
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Reputation for professionalism, integrity, and high-quality legal work
Preferred Qualifications (Strong Differentiators)
Candidates with the following will be viewed as standout applicants:
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Significant experience handling financial elder abuse and related fiduciary litigation
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Existing strong client relationships in the South Bay or East Bay
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Proven history of growing a litigation practice through referrals and business development
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Leadership mindset with interest in mentoring and practice expansion
Location & Practice Platform
The role may be based in any of the firm's offices:
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Peninsula (San Mateo)
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Silicon Valley (Downtown San Jose)
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Tri-Valley (Pleasanton)
Hybrid flexibility is available, with preference for attorneys invested in building regional presence.
Why This Role
This is an excellent platform for a senior trusts and estates litigator seeking:
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A highly regarded litigation group
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Autonomy with institutional support
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Incentive-based earning potential tied to production
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Long-term leadership and practice-building opportunity within a stable California firm