Donahue Fitzgerald, LLP is seeking an attorney with general litigation experience to join our Litigation Practice Group. This position is well-suited for someone who is motivated by intellectual challenges, enjoys working with a talented team of legal professionals, and wants to work for a firm with an established path to partnership.
This position may work a hybrid schedule and will be resident in our Oakland office.
We believe in rewarding hard work. Our attorneys have a minimum billable hour requirement of 1,610 hours per year. For those who meet or exceed this goal, our tiered bonus program provides a clear path to increase your earnings significantly.
The annual base salary for this position is $165,000 to $195,000. Depending on billable hours, total compensation can range up to $207,000 for those at the lower end of the salary range, or up to $245,000 at the higher end.
Job Duties- Draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and discovery
- Take and defend depositions, argue motions, participate in mediations, and trials
- Communicate with clients and opposing counsel on litigation strategy and offer legal advice
- Develop, manage, and execute litigation strategies and tactical decision-making at various stages of litigation, including management of complex multi-party discovery and client management
Knowledge, Skills, Educational, and Job Requirements- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- California Bar license in good standing
- 5+ years of litigation experience
- Outstanding research and analytical skills
- Must be a self-starter with superior organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple cases
- Prior experience with document preparation and review
- Prior experience taking and defending depositions
- Prior experience preparing and responding to written discovery
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to interface with clients regularly
- Ability to negotiate, meet, and confer with opposing counsel
- Strong attention to detail is a must
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficient with MS Office Suite and a Document Management System, desired
- Proficient with e-discovery, including the use of e-discovery software, desired
- Must be able to work a hybrid schedule of 3 days in the office
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established firm that offers interesting work, a collaborative working environment, and opportunities to support pro bono activities.
Donahue Fitzgerald is a highly respected and growing law firm with a strong commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. Our Trusts and Estates Litigation practice is a cornerstone of our firm, recognized for its sophisticated handling of complex and high-stakes disputes. We pride ourselves on a collaborative environment, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance. We represent a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals, fiduciaries, and charitable organizations, in all aspects of trust and estate controversies.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Trust & Estates Litigation Attorney to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of dedicated experience in trust, estate, and conservatorship litigation in California. This role offers the opportunity to manage a diverse caseload, work closely with partners, and take a lead role in all phases of litigation, from initial case assessment through trial and appeal.
We believe in rewarding hard work. Our attorneys have a minimum billable hour requirement of 1,610 hours per year. For those who meet or exceed this goal, our tiered bonus program provides a clear path to increase your earnings significantly.
The annual base salary for this position is $165,000 to $195,000. Depending on billable hours, total compensation can range up to $207,000 for those at the lower end of the salary range, or up to $245,000 at the higher end.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:- Manage and litigate complex trust, estate, and conservatorship disputes, including but not limited to:
- Will and trust contests (e.g., undue influence, lack of capacity, fraud)
- Breach of fiduciary duty claims against trustees, executors, and conservators
- Petitions for instructions and accountings
- Spousal property petitions
- Elder abuse actions (financial and physical)
- Conservatorship contested matters
- Probate and trust administration disputes
- Conduct legal research and analysis, draft pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Handle all aspects of discovery, including propounding and responding to written discovery, and taking/defending depositions.
- Prepare for and attend court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
- Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
- Develop and implement effective case strategies.
- Collaborate with partners and other attorneys on complex matters.
- Mentor junior attorneys and support staff as needed.
- Maintain accurate time records and ensure compliance with billing requirements.
Qualifications:- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
- Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
- 5+ years of demonstrable experience specializing in California Trust & Estates Litigation.
- Strong understanding of the California Probate Code, related statutes, and case law.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to draft persuasive legal documents and advocate effectively in court.
- Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a client-focused approach.
- Experience with trial preparation and courtroom advocacy is highly preferred.
- A proven track record of successfully resolving complex litigation matters.
- Ability to work a hybrid schedule of 3 days in the office after completing 90 days of employment.
