Estate Planning Attorney

A law firm located in Big Bear Lake, CA, is actively seeking an experienced legal professional to join its team, with a primary focus on wealth transfer strategies, asset protection, and estate administration matters. This position is ideal for a skilled transactional attorney who enjoys working directly with clients to design customized plans for the preservation and transfer of family assets across generations. The selected individual will also guide clients through the legal processes related to probate proceedings and trust administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advises clients on tailored strategies for managing and transferring assets, including the creation of wills, trusts, and related instruments.
• Drafts comprehensive estate planning documents to address unique family dynamics, asset portfolios, and tax implications.
• Facilitates trust administration, ensuring the smooth transition of assets while maintaining compliance with relevant legal requirements.
• Represents estates and beneficiaries in probate court, handling filings, creditor claims, and distributions.
• Communicates regularly with clients to gather critical information and provide updates, ensuring clarity and comfort throughout the process.
• Collaborates with financial planners, tax advisors, and other professionals to craft holistic estate plans that align with the client’s broader financial goals.
• Stays current on federal and state laws that impact estate planning, including tax changes, trust codes, and probate procedures.
• Manages multiple client matters simultaneously while maintaining excellent client service and meticulous attention to detail.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience working in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law (candidates with up to 8 years of experience are encouraged to apply).
• Background in transactional legal work, particularly in the development of customized estate plans and asset protection strategies.
• Active license to practice law in California (in good standing).
• Strong client communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, practical terms.
• Familiarity with California probate codes, trust laws, and applicable tax regulations.

Education Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the California State Bar is required.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certification in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law (California Board of Legal Specialization) is highly desirable but not required.

Key Competencies and Skills:

• Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in legal drafting and document preparation specific to trusts, wills, and estate documents.
• Analytical thinker with creative problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining close communication with partners and clients.
• Technological proficiency, including legal research tools and estate planning software.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to handle sensitive family matters with empathy and discretion.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Firm-supported health and dental insurance.
• Disability coverage is provided.

This firm specializes in practice areas of bankruptcy, business law, criminal law, real estate law, estate planning and probate, personal injury, and civil litigation. The firm consists of three talented and hard-working attorneys who are dedicated to obtaining desired results in the most efficient and effective manner. The attorneys understand how to investigate and evaluate a claim, and know when to recommend a settlement and when to go to trial. The founding attorney has been practicing law since 1973.