Estate Planning Attorney

Ocean Estate Law • Laguna Hills, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is for an exceptional attorney to step into the lead legal production role at Ocean Estate Law, a boutique estate planning firm. The position focuses on direct client interaction, guiding them through the estate planning process from design to execution and trust funding. It is not a document-review or administrative role, but rather an opportunity to practice estate planning law within a supportive firm with established systems and leadership. The firm is looking for someone who wants to help clients protect their assets and loved ones, offering a structured environment that avoids the overhead of running one's own practice or the pressure of large firms. The firm is led by Jennifer Elliott, a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning with extensive experience.

Requirements

• Active California State Bar license in good standing, required.
• Minimum 3 years of substantive estate planning experience, required.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience with advanced planning strategies, including ILITs, IDGTs, GRATs, SLATs, CRTs, and/or family entity planning, required.
• Comfort and confidence in direct client communication: written, verbal, and in-person.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload without step-by-step supervision.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must be available to work in the office Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
• Must be able to work from either the Laguna Hills or San Clemente office, depending on business needs.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license to travel between office locations.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years of substantive estate planning experience, preferred.
• Experience with trust administration and/or probate is a bonus, not a requirement.
• Prior experience in a boutique or small firm environment preferred; solo practice background welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Guide clients through the estate planning process with clarity, warmth, and genuine expertise, from design meeting through trust execution and funding.
• Review customized estate plans (trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives) drafted by our paralegal team, ensuring accuracy and alignment with each client's goals.
• Conduct execution meetings, ensuring clients understand what they've signed and how to properly fund their trust.
• Serve as the client's primary point of contact throughout the planning process, building trust and long-term relationships.
• Evaluate client circumstances for advanced planning opportunities and make appropriate strategy recommendations.
• Design and implement advanced estate planning strategies, including but not limited to: Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs), Family Limited Partnerships / LLCs for wealth transfer and asset protection.
• Collaborate with clients' CPAs, financial advisors, and other professionals to coordinate integrated planning strategies.
• Stay current on federal and California estate, gift, and income tax law as it affects planning recommendations.
• Collaborate with our trust administration associate on matter handoffs and post-death administration support as needed.
• Assist with basic business entity formation (LLC/Corp), where applicable, an area we are actively expanding.
• Track billable time accurately and meet a clear, reasonable performance target of 32 billable hours per week.
• Operate within our established systems (Microsoft Office, MyCase or similar CRM, WealthCounsel or similar drafting software) to keep client matters moving efficiently.
• Contribute to a team culture of accountability, excellence, and genuine care for clients and colleagues.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned to support attorneys, clients, and firm operations.

Benefits

• Base salary: Starting at $150,000 per year (based on experience)
• Performance bonuses tied to firm growth and individual contribution
• Medical, dental, vision benefits
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and holidays
• A schedule that actually ends: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. No 60-hour weeks. No weekend expectations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed