Estate Litigation Associate Attorney

Estate Litigation Associate Attorney

Speedwell Law – Alexandria, Virginia

Speedwell Law is seeking an exceptional litigation associate to help build our estate and fiduciary litigation practice.

We represent families in high-stakes disputes involving wills, trusts, and fiduciary misconduct. The work demands excellent writing, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide clients through emotionally complex situations with clarity and confidence.

This role is ideal for a litigation attorney who enjoys the craft of advocacy: developing strategy, writing persuasive motions, taking depositions, and appearing in court. We are looking for someone who takes pride in excellent work, communicates clearly under pressure, and approaches disputes with both professionalism and empathy.

We are not looking for someone to simply push paper. We are looking for someone who wants to become an exceptional litigator.

About Speedwell Law

Speedwell Law is a fast-growing estate planning, administration, and litigation firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. Our mission is to deliver boutique-quality estate services with a level of responsiveness and care that clients rarely experience elsewhere.

Our work sits at the intersection of law, family dynamics, and financial planning. Many disputes we handle arise from estate planning and administration matters within our firm, which allows our litigation team to work closely with planning and probate attorneys to resolve issues efficiently and prevent unnecessary conflict.

We believe legal work should be intellectually rigorous, client-centered, and sustainable. Our goal is to build a small team of high-performing attorneys who value professionalism, kindness, and excellent work.

Core Values

Our culture is built around the following principles:

• Warmth, friendliness, and responsiveness to clients

• Simple solutions to complex problems

• Provide uncommon value – strive for excellence and exceed expectations

• Boutique feel and seamless client experience

• Meet clients where they are

We are looking for attorneys who genuinely embody these values.

Responsibilities

The Estate Litigation Associate will represent clients in estate, trust, and fiduciary disputes including:

• Contested wills

• Trust disputes

• Fiduciary misconduct and breach of duty

• Executor and trustee disputes

• Related civil litigation matters

Responsibilities include:

• Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and legal memoranda

• Conducting legal research and case analysis

• Managing discovery and document review

• Taking and defending depositions

• Appearing at hearings and mediations

• Working with clients through emotionally sensitive disputes

• Collaborating with the firm’s estate planning and administration teams

This position offers meaningful responsibility and the opportunity for substantial courtroom exposure.

Qualifications

Required

• Active membership in the Virginia State Bar (or admission pending)

• 3–5 years of civil litigation experience

• Strong legal research and writing ability

• Excellent organizational and case management skills

• Ability to explain complex legal concepts in simple, clear language

Preferred

• Experience with probate, trust, or fiduciary litigation

• Deposition and hearing experience

• Strong motion practice experience

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $140,000 – $170,000, depending on experience

• Performance-based bonuses

• Health Insurance

• 5% 401(k) match

• Predictable and sustainable workload

• Meaningful courtroom experience

• Mentorship and professional development

Unlike many litigation practices, we prioritize high-quality work and sustainable schedules so our attorneys can perform at a high level without burnout.

What We Look For in Candidates

We value attorneys who demonstrate:

• Strong litigation instincts

• Clear and persuasive writing

• Professional judgment

• Reliability and follow-through

• Warmth and empathy with clients

• Commitment to excellence

Litigation can be stressful for families. We look for attorneys who can combine sharp advocacy with thoughtful client care.

Application Materials

Please submit the following through LinkedIn:

• Resume

• Writing sample (motion, brief, or legal memorandum preferred)

• Cover letter

Your cover letter should answer the following:

1. Which of our core values resonates most with you and why?
2. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream, and why? (One sentence.)

Please keep your cover letter focused on these questions rather than summarizing your resume.

Attention to detail in all application materials is important.

Interview Process

If selected for an interview, you may be asked to explain one of the following topics in five sentences or fewer:

• Wind

• How a refrigerator works

This exercise helps us evaluate how clearly candidates can explain complex concepts—an essential skill for litigation. Final candidates may also be asked to complete a DISC behavioral assessment as part of our hiring process.

To Apply

Interested candidates should apply through LinkedIn. We appreciate your interest in Speedwell Law and look forward to learning more about you.