Job Description
*Probate Attorney — Lateral Hire*
Experienced Probate, Trust, and Estate Administration Attorney
*Position Overview*
We are seeking an experienced Probate Attorney to join our firm as a lateral hire. The ideal candidate will have meaningful probate, trust, and estate administration experience and be comfortable handling matters independently with minimal supervision. This role is intended for an attorney who already understands probate practice and can step into an active caseload, manage client relationships, prepare and file pleadings and transactional documents, and appear in court as needed.
*Key Responsibilities*
· Handle probate, trust administration, estate administration, and related fiduciary matters from intake through resolution.
· Prepare, review, and file probate petitions, pleadings, inventories, accountings, notices, orders, settlement documents, and related court filings.
· Advise personal representatives, trustees, beneficiaries, heirs, and other interested parties regarding probate and trust administration issues.
· Manage contested and uncontested probate proceedings, including will contests, trust disputes, fiduciary disputes, creditor issues, and beneficiary disputes.
· Appear in probate court for hearings, conferences, and contested matters.
· Draft and negotiate settlement agreements, releases, non-judicial settlement agreements, and other documents related to estate and trust administration.
· Conduct legal research, analyze probate statutes and procedural rules, and develop litigation and resolution strategies.
· Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, fiduciaries, court personnel, financial professionals, and other advisors.
· Maintain organized case files, manage deadlines, and ensure timely completion of court and client obligations.
· Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and staff while independently managing assigned matters.
*Required Qualifications*
· Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
· Active license to practice law and good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
· Four or more years of relevant probate, trust, estate administration, or related litigation experience.
· Demonstrated ability to manage probate and fiduciary matters independently with limited supervision.
· Experience with both transactional probate administration and contested probate or trust litigation.
· Strong legal writing, drafting, research, and analytical skills.
· Excellent judgment, professionalism, and client communication skills.
· Ability to manage deadlines, prioritize competing matters, and maintain attention to detail in a busy practice.
· Comfortable working directly with clients during sensitive family, fiduciary, and estate-related disputes.
*Preferred Experience*
· Experience handling matters involving fiduciary accountings, trust modifications, or related probate disputes.
· Familiarity with estate planning documents, trust interpretation, fiduciary duties, and beneficiary rights.
· Prior responsibility for managing a caseload, developing case strategy, and working with paralegals or support staff.
· Portable business or demonstrated interest in business development is welcome but not required.
*Ideal Candidate*
The ideal candidate is a practical, self-sufficient attorney who enjoys probate work and can handle matters with confidence, sound judgment, and professionalism. This position is best suited for an attorney who has already developed a working knowledge of probate procedure and fiduciary practice, rather than an attorney seeking entry-level training in the practice area.
*About the Role*
This is an opportunity for an experienced probate attorney to join a busy practice and contribute immediately. The attorney in this role will have direct client contact, meaningful responsibility, and the opportunity to work on both transactional administration matters and contested proceedings.
*How to Apply*
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing their probate, trust, estate administration, and litigation experience. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.
Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Flexible spending account
* Health insurance
* Health savings account
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Referral program
* Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Tags
Immediate start, Flexible hours