Trusts and Estates Attorney (4–6 PQE) – High-Touch Advisory Practice
San Francisco, CA – other locations available incl Sacramento & LA (Hybrid, Flexible)
$245,500 - $255,500+ (dependent on experience + fantastic bonuses + benefits package)
Are you an estate planning attorney looking for more sophisticated work, closer partner access, and genuine career advancement?
An Am Law 200 firm is seeking a mid-level Private Client / Estate Planning Associate (4–6 PQE) to join its highly respected Wealth Planning practice. This is a strong opportunity to work directly with senior partners on complex, high-net-worth matters in a warm, relationship-driven environment.
Why This Role Stands Out:
- Excellent upwards advancement, with mentorship from California’s leading estate planning partners
- High level of client interaction and advisory responsibility with autonomy to run your day
- Exposure to sophisticated tax and wealth structuring matters as well as UHNW clients
- Long-term, relationship-based client work (multi-generational families)
- Collegial, non-hierarchical team culture with a supportive and friendly nature
- Engaging mix of planning, structuring, and administration work
- Flexible working environment with hybrid working and flexible hours
The Role:
You will advise high-net-worth and UHNW individuals and families on all aspects of estate and wealth planning, working on tailored strategies that evolve with clients over time. The practice goes beyond document drafting, focusing on long-term planning, tax efficiency, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Key responsibilities include:
- Drafting comprehensive estate plans, including wills, revocable living trusts, and irrevocable trust instruments
- Advising clients on wealth transfer strategies, succession planning, and intergenerational asset preservation
- Providing guidance on estate, gift, and income tax planning, including planning for taxable estates
- Assisting with trust and estate administration, including post-death implementation of estate plans
- Advising trustees on fiduciary duties, asset transfers, and compliance with evolving tax laws
- Working with complex asset structures (e.g., closely held businesses, real estate, equity compensation)
- Supporting clients through life-cycle planning, including liquidity events, generational transitions, and philanthropic planning
- Collaborating with tax, corporate, and other specialist teams on integrated wealth planning strategies
- Building long-term client relationships and acting as a trusted advisor to individuals and families
What We’re Looking For:
- 4–6 years of estate planning experience
- Strong experience drafting estate planning documents (wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts)
- Experience with trust and estate administration
- Understanding of estate, gift, and income tax principles and experience with taxable estates preferred
- Excellent drafting, analytical, and client-facing skills
- Ability to manage sensitive client relationships with discretion and professionalism
- Interest in developing a long-term private client practice
Location & Flexibility:
- Multiple California-based offices (hybrid working model)
- Full-time, permanent position with flexibility depending on team and client needs
- Competitive compensation package (commensurate with experience and fantastic bonuses)
If you’re looking to step into a role offering high-quality private client work, strong upward advancement within a fulfilling and supportive environment get in touch for a confidential discussion with alicia@ljwsolutions.com or apply today.
