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

CunninghamLegal•Oakland, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

CunninghamLegal is seeking an estate planning and/or trust administration attorney at the associate or senior level. The attorney may focus on estate planning, trust administration, or both. Client responsibility, independence, and supervision depend on experience. The role provides legal services to clients, analyzes estate planning needs, recommends strategies, and ensures documents are drafted accurately to meet clients’ goals. It also advises and represents clients in trust administration and termination matters, including trust interpretation, trustee fiduciary responsibilities, court petitions, trust funding and allocation, California Probate Code requirements, and tax considerations. The attorney is expected to provide responsive, high-quality client service; communicate effectively with clients, beneficiaries, opposing counsel, and other professionals; and collaborate with paralegals and other team members. The position supports the firm’s Walnut Creek and Oakland offices and is expected to be on-site five days per week, with the specific office based on 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 independently manage a full caseload from intake through completion, handle complex matters, appear in court, supervise paralegals, and contribute to business development. State Bar Certified Specialist certification in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law is preferred for the senior level but is not required.

Requirements

Juris Doctor 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.
Experience in either estate planning or trust administration; experience in both is a plus.
Knowledge of income, gift, estate, and trust tax laws; working knowledge at the associate level and advanced knowledge at the senior level.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Excellent client service and interpersonal skills, with professional telephone and meeting etiquette.
Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
Strong analytical and legal research skills.
Excellent organization and planning skills, proofreading ability, and grammatical skills.
Effective time management and prioritization skills, including the ability to manage multiple client matters and deadlines simultaneously.
Ability to work collaboratively 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.
Ability to work on-site five days per week at the Walnut Creek and Oakland offices, with office location determined by client appointments and business needs.

Nice To Haves

Senior level: State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law is strongly preferred but not required.
Associate level: Interest in working toward certification is encouraged.
Experience in both estate planning and trust administration.

Responsibilities

Meet with prospective clients, gather information, analyze their estate and circumstances, and recommend appropriate estate planning strategies.
Meet with existing clients to review estate plans and recommend updates when appropriate.
Engage clients to proceed with estate planning documents and complete engagement agreements, intake documentation, design sheets, and review-conference forms.
Review estate planning document drafts and conduct client review conferences to explain plans, answer questions, and address concerns.
Use and respond to the Firm’s Asana task management system, monitor the inbox, and complete assigned tasks and matter-related correspondence on time.
Identify suitable referrals to an affiliated financial advisor and obtain required Disclosure and Consent Forms.
Conduct initial client meetings regarding trust administration and termination matters; review trusts and related documents and advise clients on administration requirements.
Advise trustees on California Probate Code requirements, fiduciary responsibilities, notices, reporting deadlines, and trust funding.
Advise clients on state and federal trust tax provisions, including portability, property tax considerations, and applicable exclusions.
Prepare petitions, including petitions under Probate Code Sections 17200, 15409, and 850 (Heggstad), and matters involving spousal property and bypass trust termination.
Attend court hearings and mediations as necessary and formulate appropriate sub-trust funding and allocations.
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 matter status and resolution.
Consult with the supervising partner or lead attorney about complex matters and technical questions, as appropriate to the attorney’s level.
Respond promptly and professionally to client calls and emails, maintain detailed communication notes, and ensure records are kept in the appropriate client file.
Provide timely, accurate, professional legal advice and maintain a high level of client service.
Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and staff to move matters forward efficiently and meet deadlines.
Participate in required attorney, department, office, and staff meetings.
Network with other professionals, develop relationships that may generate client matters, and identify opportunities for additional services or beneficial referrals.
Perform other projects and responsibilities as assigned.