Estate Planning / Probate Associate Attorney

Location: Houston, TX 77070 (TX-249 / Vintage area)
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $130,000-$150,000 per year, with flexibility for the right candidate
Schedule: Monday-Friday

About the Firm

A prestigious boutique law firm specializing in estate planning, probate, trust administration, business planning, gift planning, and asset protection is seeking an experienced Estate Planning / Probate Associate Attorney to join its team in Houston, Texas.

The firm provides sophisticated legal solutions for individuals, families, and businesses, handling matters ranging from straightforward estate plans to complex probate and trust administration proceedings. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is passionate about estate planning and probate, values professional development, and is interested in building a long-term career with a collaborative law firm.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will handle a variety of estate planning and probate matters, work directly with clients, and collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality legal services.

We are seeking an attorney with consistent full-time legal practice over the previous four years and at least three years of substantial, active involvement in estate planning and probate. Ideally, these practice areas should represent at least 30% of the attorney's legal work annually during that period.

Candidates with advanced technical expertise are welcome, but advanced experience is not essential. The firm is willing to provide on-the-job training to an attorney who demonstrates a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, the ability to retain and apply information, and a commitment to maintaining consistent billable hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and review wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.

• Advise clients on estate planning, asset protection, gift planning, and related matters.

• Handle probate proceedings and estate administration matters.

• Assist with trust administration and related legal issues.

• Communicate effectively with clients to understand their objectives and provide appropriate legal guidance.

• Manage assigned matters efficiently while maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.

• Collaborate with colleagues, seek guidance when appropriate, and incorporate feedback into legal work.

• Meet the firm's annual billable-hour expectations of 1,350-1,650 hours.

• Maintain professional knowledge through continuing legal education and ongoing development in estate planning and probate law.

Required Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing.

• Full-time legal practice during the previous four years.

• At least three years of substantial, active experience in estate planning and probate, with these practice areas representing at least 30% of legal practice annually during the relevant period.

• Strong interest in estate planning, probate, and related practice areas.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with clients.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple matters.

• A collaborative, team-oriented approach and willingness to accept feedback, ask questions, and learn from colleagues.

• A strong sense of ownership, accountability, and commitment to consistent work and billable-hour expectations.

• A demonstrated interest in developing a long-term career in estate planning and probate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience practicing estate planning and probate within an established law firm, including working under supervision, collaborating with colleagues, and meeting billing expectations. Qualified solo practitioners will also be considered.

• Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) certification in Estate Planning and Probate Law.

• Completion of 45 or more hours of TBLS-approved continuing legal education in estate planning and probate within the past three years.

• A consistent professional history focused on estate planning, probate, and related practice areas.

• Experience with complex estate planning strategies, trust administration, business succession planning, gift planning, or asset protection.

• A demonstrated commitment to professional development and the ability to apply new legal knowledge effectively.

Note: Candidates who are not currently TBLS-certified may still be considered. Attorneys who are not certified should be willing to pursue board certification within three years of employment, consistent with the firm's expectations.

Professional Expectations

The firm values attorneys who demonstrate professionalism, reliability, sound judgment, and a commitment to teamwork. Candidates should be comfortable working within a collaborative legal environment, receiving and implementing feedback, maintaining consistent billable hours, and developing long-term client relationships.

The firm is particularly interested in attorneys who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to estate planning and probate and are seeking a stable, long-term professional opportunity.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary: $130,000-$150,000 per year, with flexibility based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and overall fit.

Additional compensation may be available for attorneys who are already TBLS-certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law. The firm offers a percentage of receipts attributable to the attorney's work on client matters, with the potential for total compensation to exceed the base salary for attorneys who consistently meet their billable-hour expectations.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Retirement plan

• Professional development assistance

Annual Billable-Hour Expectation

The expected annual billable-hour range is 1,350-1,650 hours.

Why Join the Firm?

• Work on a diverse range of estate planning, probate, and trust administration matters.

• Develop advanced legal skills with support and on-the-job training.

• Collaborate with experienced legal professionals in a boutique law firm environment.

• Pursue professional development and potential TBLS certification.

• Access a competitive compensation package with potential additional earnings for qualifying certified attorneys.

Interested attorneys who meet the core experience requirements and are committed to building a long-term practice in estate planning and probate are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000