What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney (Trust & Estate Litigation) position at Murtaugh | Attorneys at Law?
We’re expanding our Trusts & Estates team and looking for a motivated professional to join us at an exciting stage of growth. This role offers the opportunity to build something meaningful, develop your skills alongside a collaborative team, and contribute to a practice that is actively expanding. If you’re looking for a place that values excellence, teamwork, and long-term career development, we’d love to connect.
The Role
Murtaugh LLP is seeking a mid-level litigation attorney to join our busy Trusts & Estates (T&E) practice. If you have 3-6 years of trust and estate litigation experience, or 3-6 years of civil litigation experience and want to transition into a thriving and sophisticated T&E practice, we want to hear from you.
About Us
Founded in 1979, Murtaugh LLP is a mid-sized law firm with approximately 20 attorneys in Irvine. We are proud to have one of the largest and most active T&E practices in Orange County, handling:
- Trust litigation
- Probate (Estate) Litigation
- Conservatorship litigation
- Foundational estate planning
- Advanced estate planning
- Complex trust and estate administration
Our attorneys include multiple Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law and leaders in the California Lawyers Association (CLA) and Orange County Bar Association (OCBA).
Why Join Us
- Mentorship & Training: Direct partner-associate mentoring, monthly attorney dinners, and regular training sessions.
- Culture: Collegial culture with a clear path for growth within the Firm.
- Support Infrastructure: A 2–3:1 attorney-to-secretary ratio, plus experienced paralegal and administrative support.
- Community: Opportunities to connect across diverse practice areas (business litigation, real estate, architect/engineer litigation, corporate transactions, estate planning, probate, and trust administration).
- Real Work, Real Clients: Immediate client contact with trustees, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries from day one.
- Compensation & Benefits: Base salary: $140,000 – $180,000 DOE; reasonable billable hour requirements; performance-based bonus opportunities; 401(k) with 3% firm contribution; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and ClassPass subsidy.
What You’ll Do
As an associate attorney, you’ll handle substantive work from day one—not just document review. Responsibilities include:
- Managing trust and estate litigation matters from intake through trial
- Drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery
- Preparing case evaluations and litigation strategies
- Arguing motions, attending mediations, and negotiating settlements
- Advising clients, taking and defending depositions, and assisting with trials
Matters often include will and trust contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, accounting disputes, fiduciary misconduct, Probate Code § 850 and § 17200 petitions, and financial elder abuse.
What We’re Looking For
- California Bar admission (active and in good standing)
- At least 3-6 years of trust & estate litigation, or 3-6 years of civil litigation with interest in T&E work
- Strong legal writing and persuasive advocacy skills (writing sample preferred)
- Excellent client communication and negotiation skills
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to high-quality client service
Salary : $140,000 - $180,000