Job Description
Job DescriptionAbout the Role
This is a succession hire within an active estate planning practice group — you'll step into a real, existing book of high-net-worth client relationships being transitioned from a retiring shareholder. The role carries a clear and demonstrated path to shareholder, making it a rare opportunity for a senior estate planning attorney who wants stability, meaningful work, and long-term growth without the BigLaw grind.
What You'll Do
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Manage the transition of established client relationships from a retiring shareholder, ensuring continuity of service and trust.
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Handle sophisticated estate planning matters including complex trust structures, high-net-worth estate and tax planning, and estate and gift tax strategies.
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Advise clients on trust and estate administration, business succession planning, and California property tax issues.
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Draft advanced estate planning documents and manage ongoing client advisory relationships.
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Mentor and develop junior associates within the estate planning practice group.
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Collaborate with senior attorneys and firm leadership to grow the practice area.
What We're Looking For
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JD from an accredited law school with active California State Bar membership (required; no visa sponsorship available).
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10–20 years of estate planning experience at the senior associate, counsel, or shareholder level.
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Demonstrated experience with sophisticated (not routine) trust structures and high-net-worth estate and tax planning.
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Direct client advisory experience managing relationships and providing estate planning counsel independently.
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Proficiency in estate and gift tax planning strategies and complex trust drafting.
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Knowledge of California property tax issues and estate tax implications specific to California real property.
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Experience with trust administration and business succession planning.
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Strong interpersonal skills suited to absorbing and retaining transitioning client relationships.
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Background at a mid-size full-service law firm (roughly 50–150 attorneys) is a plus.
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Experience mentoring or supervising junior associates is a plus.
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LLM in Taxation preferred but not required.
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Familiarity with Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Microsoft Office.
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Located in or willing to relocate to the greater Los Angeles area (relocation considered for exceptional candidates).
Compensation & Benefits
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Salary: $200,000 – $350,000 annually, depending on experience.
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401(k) with profit sharing (firm contribution regardless of employee contribution).
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Manageable billable hour expectations relative to large-firm environments.
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Visa sponsorship: Not available.
Location
Hybrid — Los Angeles, California, United States. Hybrid flexibility develops after demonstrated fit; candidates currently located in the greater Los Angeles area are strongly preferred.