Estate Planning Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Salary :

An established and expanding San Mateo law firm specializing in all aspects of Trusts, Estates, Probate, Trust Administration, and Litigation is looking for a seasoned associate attorney.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in Trusts, Estates and Conservatorships and preferably some experience with Probate type litigation.

As a midsized firm, the position requires cross-over in all areas of trusts, probate, trust administration and conservatorships.

Candidate should be someone that is interested in growing with the firm and is motivated, hard- working and has an excellent work ethic, but still enjoys a balanced life.

Founded in 1953, McDowall Cotter is a San Mateo based law firm that provides a common- sense approach to legal services in the practice areas of civil litigation, as well as business and wealth preservation.

The setting is a professional office in San Mateo where highways 92 and El Camino Real meet. We value company culture and have many firm activities including weekly firm lunches together to make the work environment professional, yet comfortable.

Ideal Candidate :

• Charismatic, trustworthy, team player and pro-active
• Mature, responsible and someone who values personal growth
• Able to take the big picture view and contribute to positive situation outcomes
• High attention to details, common sense approach and need little supervision
• Someone that will go the extra mile, a self-starter
• Able to handle high pressure situations
• Willingness to work outside typical hours as necessary

Essential Functions :

• Working with clients to design and implement estate plans ranging from simple to complex instruments
• Working with clients and advisors to commence and complete trust administrations and probates
• Preference for a candidate with Conservatorship experience and experience in the areas of probate and trust litigation
• Experience with Propositions 13 and 58, including entity formation and operation, is a plus

Qualifications :

• Must be a member of California Bar
• Experience : 3+ years’ experience in estate planning, trust administration and probate, with Conservatorship experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of estate tax planning and sophisticated trust planning in its various forms is expected

Skill / Aptitudes :

• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Proficient computing skills, especially in the use of MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proficient in using TimeMatters, Gavel or other Case Management Software
• Proficient in using Acrobat
• Proficient in using Clio billing software
• Proficient in using HotDocs base programs (for both Judicial Council Forms and estate planning document creation)

Total compensation : $90,000 150,000

Competitive compensation salary based upon experience with performance based bonus, 1550 minimum billed hours. Benefits include 401k plus match, profit sharing pension plan, medical benefits, supplemental dental, vision, life and disability, vacation, sick leave, and reimbursement for continuing education.

We believe in providing our employees with first-class benefits.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.