POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Attorney is responsible for the strategy, planning, preparation and management of disputed trust and probate matters, as well as uncontested probates, from inception to resolution. This position directly executes these responsibilities or directs and oversees the work of other staff in order to meet deadlines.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Associate Attorney performs duties under the direction of the Partner who ensures adherence to policies and procedures and is responsible for overseeing legal strategy and quality of work. The Associate’s employment relationship with the Firm is managed by the Partner.

SUPERVISES

· Paralegals

· Contract Paralegals

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Legal Strategy – Analyzes case facts provided by clients, completes comprehensive analysis and summary, provides cost estimates and overall plan, sets and adjusts the legal strategies and provides legal advice to clients. Leads the creation and development of legal arguments and strategies in support of client positions.

· Litigation Preparation – Oversees the preparation, review, and editing of drafted legal documents. May work independently to draft documents or direct/guide other staff regarding preparation. Prepares for and attends court hearings, depositions, and mediations.

· Litigation – Handles all disputed matters from inception through mediation or trial. Pursues informal resolution tactics and obtains excellent results for clients.

· Case Management - Reviews summaries of new clients and discusses with more senior counsel to establish initial case strategy. Tracks all time regardless of case type. Enters case expenses into case management system. Completes closing interviews to encourage referrals to referral partners, obtain client reviews, and provide resources to clients.

· Research - Conducts legal research and formulates an overall case strategy and discovery plan.

· Client Relationship – Advises clients on legal matters during pendency of the case. Ensures regular communication occurs with the client to provide guidance throughout the duration of the case.

· Firm Development/Task Management- Assist in the development and enforcement of firm wide and/or department wide policies, procedures and encourage improvement of firm culture. Completes administrative tasks to assist with firm efficiencies and productivity in timely manner. Regularly reviews cases and workload. Utilizes resources and maintains exceptional organizational skills to consistently move case related tasks towards completion.

· Billing Management – Maintains accurate and timely reporting of client billing in Case Management System. Assists with Accounts Receivable collections and retainer replenishments. Regularly reviews retainers to determine when to make requests for replenishment prior to exceeding available trust funds.

Meets minimum of 1,500 billable hours annually.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

· Education / Work Experience

· Juris Doctorate of Law (JD) and active CA Bar license is required.

· 4 years of litigation experience is required.

· 4 years of trust & estate litigation is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

· Experience in litigation, including legal research, drafting, preparing for and taking depositions, mediating /settling matters, preparing for trial and trying cases.

· Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with proven ability to collaborate and communicate professionally and effectively with clients and employees.

· Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

· Ability to apply logical thinking to identify and explain problems, collect data and establish facts, and create a valid conclusion or resolution to problems.

· Ability to exercise good judgment and strong customer service skills, and maintain confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive matters.

· Ability to anticipate client needs and outcomes and take action accordingly.

· Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

· Must be highly detail oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and video conferencing technology.

· Proficiency with Case Management Systems.

At our firm, we value teamwork, professional development, and work-life balance. We are a small but growing firm. We enforce a "no jerks" policy both with our staff and clients.

If you are a dedicated attorney with negotiation and trial skills who enjoys representing individuals, we encourage you to apply for this position. While experience in trust and estate litigation is preferred, we are willing to train the right candidate with litigation experience in another area of law. Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration. Candidates who advance to the next stage will be asked for writing samples.

Note: Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities

Ability to Relocate:

• Riverside, CA 92507: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person