What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Associate/Senior Counsel position at Direct Counsel?
This position will focus on complex trust, estate, and probate litigation, representing trustees, beneficiaries, and fiduciaries in high-stakes matters. Attorneys in this role serve as the primary handling attorney and main client point of contact, managing cases from inception through resolution. For candidates with strong civil or family litigation backgrounds but limited probate experience, the firm provides comprehensive onboarding and training.
This is an excellent opportunity to join an established practice with a collaborative culture, meaningful client work, and flexibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research legal issues for trust and estate litigation matters
- Draft pleadings, discovery, memoranda, motions and other legal documents
- Handle trust and estate litigation matter from inception through trial, including taking depositions, attending mediations and settlement negotiations
- Attend hearings on a regular basis in the probate courts
- Make independent decisions and advising clients on pre-litigation and litigation matters
- Handle conservatorship or guardianship matters from initiation of proceedings to representation of conservators or guardians for the duration of these matters
- Handle probate administrations from initiation of proceedings to discharge of personal representative
- Consult and advise trustees or beneficiaries on trust administration
- Other projects, as assigned
Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in probate, trust and estate law
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Must possess attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast paced office environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage cases and clients independently
Hiring Criteria:
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Licensed to practice law in California
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5 years of probate and trust litigation experience or
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8–10 years of civil or family litigation experience (probate experience not required)
Compensation & Benefits:
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Base salary: $160,000–$260,000 (DOE)
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Competitive bonus structure
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Comprehensive benefits package
Schedule & Location:
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Full-time
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Fully remote or hybrid (2 days/week in office)
Salary : $160,000 - $260,000