Trusts & Estates Associate — Private Client & Tax (San Diego)

We are seeking an experienced Trusts & Estates associate to join a sophisticated Private Client & Tax practice in San Diego. The group focuses on the personal and private capital needs of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, frequently with cross-border interests and complex structures.

This role sits at the center of the team, working alongside partners, paralegals, and other associates as both an independent contributor and a key coordinator across complex estate planning and administration matters. You will bridge day-to-day execution with higher-level strategic work, ensuring matters are handled seamlessly from start to finish.

The position involves meaningful responsibility and client contact, including business development activities such as writing, attending events and conferences, and building networks with private wealth contacts and intermediaries.

• Between 4–6 years practicing in a law-firm Trusts & Estates group.
• California bar membership required.
• Strong academic credentials (J.D. required; Tax LL.M. a plus).
• Familiarity with estate planning for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients with complex family structures and complex assets.
• Experience structuring charitable organizations and foundations, structuring major and planned gifts, and ensuring compliance.
• Skilled in foundational revocable estate planning from start to finish, including initial interview, plan design and drafting, client review and discussion, execution, and follow-up.
• Exposure to irrevocable trusts such as CRUTs, GRATs, IDGTs, ILITs, and QPRTs.
• Gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax skills, including designing and implementing complex estate freeze and charitable planning and preparing and reviewing estate and gift tax returns.
• Ability to independently run post-mortem trust administration and advise fiduciaries on milestones and distributions.
• Proven ability to manage a busy practice, including time recording, proactive deadline and matter management, and taking ownership of projects without supervision.
• Interest in contributing to the success of the group, including mentoring junior team members and refining processes.
• Practical, client-focused approach to problem-solving; inspires confidence among clients, intermediaries, and referral sources.