Senior Estate Planning Attorney

Global Placement Firm • Encinitas, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Global Placement Firm is conducting a confidential search for a Senior Estate Planning Attorney to join an established and highly respected law firm in Southern California. This is a rare succession opportunity for an experienced estate planning attorney to step into an established client book being transitioned from a retiring shareholder. Unlike traditional lateral opportunities, no existing book of business is required. The firm already has the clients and revenue in place and is seeking the right attorney to assume responsibility for those relationships and become an integral part of the firm's continued growth. For the right candidate, this role offers a clear and realistic path to shareholder based on performance, client relationships, and demonstrated leadership.

As a Senior Estate Planning Attorney, you will advise high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and other clients on sophisticated estate planning and wealth transfer matters. You will have the opportunity to assume an established portfolio of client relationships from a retiring shareholder while developing your own long-term presence within the firm's estate planning practice. The ideal candidate is an experienced estate planning attorney who combines strong technical expertise with excellent client relationship skills and is interested in building a long-term career with a firm that offers a genuine shareholder path.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership and good standing with the California State Bar.
• Significant experience practicing estate planning law.
• Strong technical knowledge of sophisticated estate planning and wealth transfer matters.
• Experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families, and/or business owners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex client relationships independently.
• Strong legal writing, drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to take ownership of client matters from initial consultation through implementation.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills.
• Ability and interest in assuming an established client portfolio.
• Desire to build a long-term career with a path toward shareholder/partnership.

Nice To Haves

• Substantial experience in estate planning.
• Comfortable advising sophisticated and high-net-worth clients.
• Can independently manage complex estate planning matters.
• Strong client relationship and communication skills.
• Interested in taking over an established client portfolio.
• Wants a realistic path toward shareholder.
• Values long-term client relationships over transactional practice.
• Is collaborative and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Has strong business judgment and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Can develop trust with clients and their families.
• Wants to grow within a stable and financially strong firm.
• Values a professional environment without the traditional BigLaw burnout culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage and advise clients on sophisticated estate planning and wealth transfer matters.
• Assume and develop relationships with an established client portfolio transitioning from a retiring shareholder.
• Provide strategic advice to high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and other clients.
• Draft and review sophisticated estate planning documents and related legal instruments.
• Advise clients regarding trusts, estates, wealth transfer, succession planning, and related tax considerations.
• Develop comprehensive estate planning strategies tailored to each client's financial, family, and business circumstances.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys, tax professionals, financial advisors, and other professional advisors.
• Maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients and their families.
• Participate in client meetings and serve as a trusted legal advisor.
• Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen existing client relationships.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the firm's estate planning practice.
• Mentor and collaborate with junior attorneys and other members of the legal team.
• Maintain high standards of legal work, professionalism, responsiveness, and client service.
• Meet the firm's annual billable-hour expectations while maintaining a sustainable workload.

Benefits

• 401(k) with profit sharing, including firm contributions regardless of employee contribution, based on applicable plan terms.
• Increased flexibility after establishing fit within the firm.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree