What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estate Planning and Probate Associate Attorney position at THE DEAN LAW FIRM PLLC?
About Our Firm
We are a premier boutique estate planning and probate law firm in Sugar Land, Texas, dedicated to providing our clients with peace of mind during life’s most significant transitions. Our firm is built on two unshakeable pillars: excellence in our legal work and a concierge-level of service for our clients. We do not treat clients like case numbers; we treat them like family. We are seeking an ambitious, empathetic Associate Attorney to join our close-knit team and deliver a seamless, comforting experience from start to finish.
Position Overview
As an Associate Attorney, you will actively manage your own caseload, guiding clients from their initial design consult through the delivery of sophisticated estate planning strategies or navigating the probate process from inception to final distribution. You will combine your burgeoning legal expertise with a high-touch, white-glove client experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Estate Planning & Wealth Design: Conduct comprehensive client design consultations to assess family dynamics, financial assets, and personal legacy goals. Draft, review, and execute foundational and sophisticated estate planning instruments, including customized Revocable Living Trusts, a variety of Irrevocable Trusts, including Asset Protection Trusts and Special Needs Trust, Wills and protective ancillary documents.
- End-to-End Probate Management: Own a pipeline of uncontested probate matters from inception to close. Appear in Fort Bend County and surrounding Greater Houston probate courts for hearings (Independent and Dependent Administrations, Muniments of Title, Determinations of Heirship, and Guardianships). Supervise the preparation of Applications, Notices, and Inventories.
- Concierge Counsel & Advisor: Serve as an empathetic and highly accessible legal advisor. Demystify complex estate administration and tax strategies for anxious clients and grieving families. Anticipate client concerns before they arise.
- Team Collaboration: Supervise and collaborate directly with our skilled paralegals and legal assistants to ensure documents are drafted accurately, deadlines are tracked systematically, and client communication is consistently maintained.
Qualifications & Skills
- Licensure: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and an active, clean license in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Experience: 2 years of dedicated practice in Texas estate planning and probate law. Familiarity with local court rules in Fort Bend, Harris, and surrounding counties is strongly preferred.
- Technical Tools: Proficiency with estate planning drafting engines (e.g., WealthCounsel) and legal practice management software (e.g., Clio, LEAP), as well as strong Word, Excel and Abode software skills.
- Excellence & Empathy: Possesses emotional intelligence, public speaking abilities for court and signing ceremonies, and a rigorous attention to detail.
If this resonates with you, we look forward to hearing from you. Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position along with your resume to our Office Manager, Regina Gabig, at regina@juliadeanlaw.com.