What are the responsibilities and job description for the Attorney position at Ambrecht & Martinez, LLP?
Company Description Ambrecht & Martinez, LLP is a premier boutique law firm in Santa Barbara, California, focused on sophisticated estate, tax, and family business succession planning for high-net-worth families, trustees, and business owners. The firm combines deep legal and tax experience with a personal, relationship-based approach to preserving family harmony, values, and legacy. Practice areas include estate and tax planning, trust administration, family business succession, and asset protection and risk mitigation. The team works closely with CPAs, financial advisors, and family offices to coordinate comprehensive strategies at the intersection of law, tax, and family enterprise. Ambrecht & Martinez has grown primarily through referrals and is trusted by multigenerational clients who rely on the firm’s discretion and judgment.
Role Description This is a full-time Attorney role based in Santa Barbara, CA, with a hybrid work arrangement that allows for both in-office and work-from-home flexibility. The Attorney will advise clients on estate, tax, and business succession planning matters, including drafting and reviewing trusts, wills, operating agreements, and related legal instruments. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal and tax research, preparing memoranda, analyzing client structures, and recommending strategies to preserve and transfer wealth. The role involves counseling trustees and fiduciaries on trust administration and compliance, coordinating with external advisors such as CPAs and financial planners, and participating in client meetings to translate complex issues into clear, actionable guidance. The Attorney will also support negotiation and resolution of sensitive family business and governance issues while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.
Qualifications
- Strong foundation in Law, with demonstrated experience in estate planning, tax planning, or closely related private client practice areas.
- Background in Labor and Employment Law and related regulatory frameworks is beneficial, particularly for family businesses with employee considerations.
- Proven ability to provide clear, practical Legal Advice to high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and business owners.
- Excellent Research skills, including legal and tax research, statutory and case law analysis, and synthesis of complex information into concise recommendations.
- Effective Negotiation skills to help resolve family, ownership, and governance issues and to coordinate with counterparties and advisors.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the California Bar (or eligibility and intent to obtain California Bar admission within a defined timeframe).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and tax concepts in accessible, client-friendly language.
- High level of discretion, integrity, and emotional intelligence when working with sensitive family and financial matters.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a boutique firm