Relationship Manager, Legal Counsel

First American•Santa Ana, CA

20h

About The Position

The Relationship Manager, Legal Counsel – Trust is responsible for managing client relationships while providing legal guidance related to trust services. This role serves as a key point of contact for clients, ensuring high-quality service, regulatory compliance, and alignment with organizational policies. The position combines relationship management with legal expertise to support trust operations and client needs.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
5–12+ years of experience in trust law, estate planning, estate settlement, trust administration, or related legal field
Strong understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and trust administration
Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
High attention to detail and organizational abilities
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally

Nice To Haves

Experience in client relationship management preferred

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong relationships with firm clients and internal stakeholders
Provide legal advice and guidance on trust-related matters, including compliance and risk management
Review, draft, and interpret trust documents, agreements, and related legal materials
Partner with business units to ensure trust services are delivered in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements
Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with trust activities
Support client onboarding, account maintenance, and issue resolution
Stay current on applicable laws, regulations, and industry trends impacting trust services
Monitors account activity ensuring compliance with established company policies and procedures, rules and regulations, including completion of annual Reg. 9 reviews.
Foster strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor and addressing their financial concerns with professionalism and expertise.
Keep accurate records of client interactions and transactions, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.