Trust & Estates Attorney

Description We are looking for an experienced Trust & Estates Attorney to manage trust and estate-related disputes in California. This role focuses on guiding litigation matters from initial filing through resolution while maintaining thoughtful communication with clients and strong coordination with internal legal support teams. The ideal candidate brings sound courtroom judgment, strong drafting ability, and the confidence to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and care.

Responsibilities:

• Lead probate and trust litigation matters through each stage of the case lifecycle, from commencement to final resolution.
• Prepare and revise legal documents such as petitions, complaints, answers, motions, and discovery materials for court submission.
• Organize cases for mediation, negotiated settlement discussions, and trial proceedings, ensuring deadlines and strategic priorities are met.
• Appear in court for routine and moderately complex hearings and represent clients effectively in contested proceedings.
• Take and defend depositions while developing factual records that support litigation strategy.
• Work closely with clients and witnesses to prepare them for testimony, hearings, and other key case events.
• Contribute to trial readiness by coordinating evidence, refining arguments, and assisting with courtroom execution.
• Oversee the work of law clerks and entry-level drafting staff, providing direction and reviewing filings for accuracy and quality.
• Partner with legal support personnel to keep matters progressing efficiently and communicate updates and next steps clearly to clients.
• Participate in case strategy discussions, make informed recommendations, and independently manage execution while escalating significant issues when needed. Requirements
• Active license to practice law and ability to work as an attorney in the applicable jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated experience handling civil litigation matters, ideally including probate, trust, or estate disputes.
• Strong skill in drafting motions, pleadings, briefs, and discovery-related documents.
• Practical experience managing discovery, including written discovery and deposition practice.
• Knowledge of trusts and estates law with familiarity in probate litigation procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently while exercising sound judgment on when to elevate key issues.
• Strong interpersonal and client communication skills, particularly in emotionally sensitive or high-conflict situations.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .