Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates Litigation

Overview

Exemption Status: Exempt

Remote Options/Office

Hours:

On-Site/Hybrid

Classification: Attorney

Reports To: Practice Area Manager

The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates Litigation plays a key leadership role within the firm, handling complex trusts & estates litigation matters and providing guidance, mentorship, and strategic oversight to Associates and support staff. This position requires advanced litigation and negotiation skills, strong judgment, and the ability to independently manage high-value, multi-issue trusts & estates litigation cases. This role requires a high level of autonomy, initiative, and the ability to mentor junior attorneys and paralegals while fostering a collaborative and positive firm culture.

JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Senior Attorneys are expected to model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and to consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard.

May supervise Associate Attorneys, paralegals, and support staff as assigned; however, all practice area legal support personnel and attorneys report to the practice area partner.

• Legal Drafting & Advocacy
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, declarations, objections, and settlement agreements for contested trust and estate litigation.
• Represent clients in court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Case Strategy & Matter Management
• Oversee contested trusts and estates cases, including fiduciary disputes, will contests, breach of trust claims, and asset distribution conflicts.
• Identify and analyze legal and financial issues affecting fiduciary duties, beneficiary rights, and tax implications.
• Supervise paralegals and support staff, managing workloads, delegating tasks, and ensuring accurate and timely filings.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, court rules, and litigation deadlines.
• Client Counseling & Communication
• Advise clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries on litigation strategy and dispute resolution options.
• Review financial records, fiduciary accountings, and tax documents relevant to contested matters.
• Maintain professional, clear, and compassionate communication with clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and personal representatives.
• Legal Research & Financial Analysis
• Conduct research on trusts and estates statutes, case law, tax rules, and local probate court procedures relevant to litigation.
• Analyze complex financial information, including asset valuations, trust accountings, and estate-related tax matters.
• Prepare strategic legal memoranda and recommendations based on research and analysis.
• Court & Negotiation Work
• Appear in probate court for contested hearings, petitions, accountings, and trials.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations involving trust and estate disputes.
• Present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue motions in contested matters.
• Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Development
• Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to Associates and staff to support skill development and professional growth.
• Participate in at least eight (8) professional or business development activities (4 of which can be attendance) annually (beyond mandatory MCLE).
• Demonstrate leadership in promoting a positive workplace culture aligned with firm values.
• Performance & Productivity Requirements
• Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements.
• Consistent billing realization 95% or higher.
• Consistent collections realization of 90% or higher.
• Contribute to firm growth through annual origination of at least $500,000 in new business

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform all essential duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and physical and mental abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mental Demands
• Excellent…