Senior Litigation Associate — Trust & Probate Litigation

Senior Litigation Associate — Trust & Probate Litigation Tresp Law, APC - 4.5 Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA Job Details Full-time $150,000 - $200,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Referral program Qualifications Writing skills Analysis skills Analytical thinking Bar Managing litigation projects Wills, trusts & estate law Full Job Description Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA | Full-Time, On-Site | $150,000-$200,000 DOE + Defined Bonus & Origination Credit Take ownership of sophisticated trust and probate litigation at a firm built on excellence. Tresp Law is a distinguished estate planning, probate, and asset protection firm serving discerning clients throughout San Diego County. As demand for our litigation practice grows, we are seeking a seasoned Senior Litigation Associate to lead complex contested trust and probate matters — someone who combines courtroom skill with the judgment and discretion these sensitive, high-stakes disputes demand. This is a substantive role with real autonomy. You will carry your own caseload, shape strategy, and work directly with clients and partners — not sit on the sidelines of someone else's matters. What you'll handle Litigate contested trust, probate, and estate matters — will and trust contests, fiduciary disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, accounting and surcharge actions, conservatorships, and related proceedings Manage cases from intake through trial: pleadings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediation, and courtroom advocacy Develop case strategy and provide thoughtful, candid counsel to clients navigating difficult family and financial circumstances Appear in Probate Court and Civil Court and related proceedings Mentor junior attorneys and support staff, contributing to the growth of the litigation practice What we're looking for Active membership in the State Bar of California in good standing 5+ years of civil litigation experience, with meaningful exposure to trust, probate, or estate litigation Demonstrated ability to manage a litigation caseload independently Strong command of California probate and trust law and the Probate Code Excellent legal writing, oral advocacy, and analytical skills Sound judgment, professionalism, and genuine care for clients during sensitive disputes Welcomed, though not required Trial experience in probate or fiduciary matters Experience with mediation and alternative dispute resolution A portable book of business (an asset, not a requirement — see our origination credit below) Compensation & bonus structure We offer a competitive base salary of $150,000-$200,000 depending on experience and book of business, complemented by a defined, transparent bonus structure designed to reward the attorneys who drive our practice forward: Performance bonus . Defined performance bonus tied to billable productivity and case outcomes — clear targets, not discretionary guesswork. Origination bonus . Origination credit on business you bring to or generate for the firm, paid as a defined percentage of collected fees for the life of the client relationship. Your book grows your earnings here. Discretionary bonus . Year-end discretionary bonuses recognizing exceptional contribution and firm performance. Why Tresp Law Substantive, high-quality work . Sophisticated matters and real responsibility, without the bureaucracy of a large firm. Autonomy and mentorship . The independence to own your cases, supported by experienced partners invested in your success. Full benefits . Health insurance, 401(k), generous paid time off, and a defined bonus and origination structure. A path to advance . We are a growing firm and we promote from within — there is genuine room to build your career, reputation, and book here. Setting and culture . A beautiful coastal office and a collegial, values-driven team. Schedule Full-time, on-site in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, across the street from the beach. If you are an accomplished litigator who wants meaningful work, real ownership, and a firm that values both excellence and integrity, we would be glad to speak with you. To apply Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your trust and probate litigation experience. Writing samples may be requested.

Pay:

$150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person