Attorney – Estate Planning & Trust Administration (Associate or Senior Level)

CunninghamLegal•Piedmont, CA

9d•$110,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

CunninghamLegal is seeking an attorney at the associate or senior level to provide estate planning services, trust administration services, or both. The Attorney analyzes clients’ estate planning needs, recommends appropriate strategies, and ensures that documents are accurately drafted to accomplish clients’ goals. The role also includes advising and representing clients in trust administration and termination matters, interpreting trust documents, advising trustees on fiduciary responsibilities, preparing court petitions, resolving funding and allocation issues, and addressing California Probate Code requirements and federal and state tax considerations. The Attorney provides responsive, high-quality client service and communicates with clients, beneficiaries, opposing counsel, and other professionals while collaborating with paralegals and other team members. Work is on-site five days per week at the Walnut Creek and Oakland offices, with the specific office determined by client appointments and business needs. Associate attorneys work under partner supervision on drafting, document review, petitions, research, and case management, progressively taking on consultations, review conferences, and their own matters. Senior attorneys are expected to independently manage a full caseload from intake through completion, handle complex matters, appear in court, supervise paralegals, and contribute to business development. Certification as a State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law is preferred for the senior level but is not required.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active license and good standing with the State Bar of California.
Associate level: 1 to 3 years of experience in estate planning or trust administration; law clerk or certificate program experience may be considered.
Senior level: At least 7 years of experience in estate planning and/or trust administration, including independent management of client matters.
Working knowledge of income, gift, estate, and trust tax laws at the associate level; advanced knowledge at the senior level.
Strong oral and written communication skills and excellent client service and interpersonal skills.
Professional telephone and meeting etiquette; knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
Strong analytical and legal research skills; excellent organization, planning, proofreading, and grammar skills.
Effective time management and prioritization, with the ability to manage multiple client matters and deadlines simultaneously.
Ability to collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Computer literacy and ability to use the Firm’s technology and task-management systems effectively.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and maintain client confidentiality.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing legal education in estate planning and trust administration.

Nice To Haves

Experience in both estate planning and trust administration.
Senior level: State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law certification.
Associate level: Interest in working toward State Bar Certified Specialist certification.

Responsibilities

Meet prospective clients, gather information, analyze their estate circumstances, and recommend estate planning strategies.
Review existing estate plans with clients and recommend updates when appropriate.
Engage clients to proceed with estate planning documents and complete engagement agreements and required intake, design, and conference documentation.
Review estate planning document drafts and conduct client review conferences to explain plans and address questions and concerns.
Use and respond to the Firm’s Asana task management system, complete assigned tasks, monitor the inbox, and respond to matter-related correspondence.
Refer clients to an affiliated financial advisor when appropriate and obtain required disclosure and consent forms.
Conduct initial meetings regarding trust administration and trust termination matters; review and interpret trusts and related documents.
Advise trustees on California Probate Code requirements, fiduciary and administration responsibilities, notices, reporting deadlines, and trust funding requirements.
Advise clients regarding state and federal trust tax provisions, including portability, property tax considerations, and applicable exclusions.
Prepare court petitions, including petitions under Probate Code Sections 17200, 15409, and 850 (Heggstad), and petitions concerning spousal property and bypass trust termination matters.
Attend court hearings and mediations as necessary.
Formulate funding and allocations to sub-trusts.
Review, verify, and revise documents prepared by paralegals and other support staff; meet with paralegals to review case status, deadlines, and outstanding matters.
Conduct legal research and communicate with clients, beneficiaries, opposing counsel, and other professionals about matters.
Consult with the supervising partner or lead attorney on complicated matters and technical questions, as appropriate to experience level.
Respond promptly and professionally to client calls and emails; document substantive communications in the appropriate client file.
Provide timely, accurate legal advice, maintain client confidentiality, and deliver a high level of client service.
Collaborate with colleagues to move matters forward efficiently and meet deadlines; participate in required meetings.
Network with professionals, develop relationships that may generate client matters, and identify additional services or beneficial referrals.
Perform other projects and responsibilities as assigned.
Senior attorneys independently manage matters, appear in court, supervise paralegals, and contribute to business development; associate attorneys perform duties under partner supervision with increasing independence.