Trust and Estates Litigation Associate Attorney

Job overview

The Trust and Estates Litigation Associate Attorney role is hybrid, based in Oakland, CA, with three days in the office after the first 90 days. Annual base salary is $165,000–$195,000; the posting also describes potential total compensation of up to $207,000–$245,000 depending on billable hours. Donahue Fitzgerald’s Trusts and Estates Litigation practice handles complex disputes for individuals, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations. This attorney manages trust, estate, and conservatorship disputes from case assessment through trial and appeal. The role supports client representation through legal research, drafting, discovery, court and alternative dispute resolution appearances, case strategy, and collaboration with partners and colleagues.

What you'll do

• Manage trust, estate, and conservatorship disputes, including will and trust contests, fiduciary-duty claims, petitions, elder abuse actions, and probate or trust administration disputes
• conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs
• handle discovery and depositions
• prepare for and attend hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel
• develop case strategies
• collaborate with partners and attorneys
• mentor junior attorneys and support staff as needed
• maintain time records and meet billing requirements.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

trust and estates litigation

associate attorney

litigation

trust litigation

estate litigation

conservatorship litigation

oakland ca

hybrid

california state bar

juris doctor

$165k–$195k base salary

donahue fitzgerald

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Tiered bonus program for meeting or exceeding the annual billable-hour goal
• professional development opportunities and a stated commitment to work-life balance.

Why this role

5+ years of California trust, estate, and conservatorship litigation experience required; active California State Bar membership and J.D. required; 1,610 annual billable-hour requirement with a tiered bonus program.

About the employer

Donahue Fitzgerald is hiring for this role. Industry: Offices of Lawyers. Sector: 54.