What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney position at Hawaii Estate Law and Planning?
An established, high-growth estate planning and asset protection law firm is seeking a driven, entrepreneurial, and litigation-capable Associate Attorney to lead its expanding contested estates, trust administration, and domestic relations practice.
This position is tailored for a highly competent advocate who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to manage a diverse, active litigation caseload with significant autonomy. The successful candidate will act as the primary lead on all contested probate, fiduciary trust disputes, and limited real estate and family law matters. This role offers direct mentorship from the managing attorney, Isaiah Cureton, highly structured administrative support, and a clearly defined, contractually backed pathway to non-equity and equity partnership.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
- Case Portfolio Management: Oversee and direct a comprehensive caseload of both informal and contested probate administration from initial client intake through final resolution, as well as issues relating to the Land Court.
- Courtroom and Advocacy Leadership: Represent clients as lead counsel in state courts, evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, mediations, arbitrations, and trials, demonstrating superior oral advocacy, executive presence, and professional poise.
- Drafting and Document Production: Research, draft, and file pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, trial briefs, property settlement agreements, parental responsibilities, and complex fiduciary accounting objections.
- Transactional Administration: Supervise the administration of testate and intestate estates, draft specialized trust amendments, and manage guardianships and conservatorships.
- Strategic Client Consultation: Serve as the primary advisory interface for litigation and administration clients, providing compassionate, clear, and highly professional counsel through challenging life transitions.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Juris Doctor (JD): Graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
- Licensure: Active admission to the State Bar in good standing (with reciprocal admission or immediate eligibility to practice in the local jurisdiction).
- Experience Profile: A minimum of two to four years of in-court experience. Prior experience in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, and Family Law are strongly preferred.
- Technical Aptitude: Proficiency with modern cloud-based practice management platforms, legal research engines, and document automation systems to maintain high-efficiency operational standards.
- Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, highly developed emotional intelligence, robust negotiation skills, and a strong business-minded outlook aligned with the firm’s growth objectives.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $100,000 - $120,000