Litigation Attorney - Trusts & Estates

Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S.

Seattle, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$125,000–$200,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Accounting, Analysis Skills, Attorney, Billing, Budget Management, Business Development, Business Skills, Case Management, Communication Skills, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Retention/Renewal, Customer Support/Service, Document Management, Documentation, Estate Planning, Fiduciary, Healthcare, Interpersonal Skills, Legal, Legal Research, Legal Support Skills, Litigation, Long-Term Care, Negotiation Skills, Organizational Skills, Persuasion Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Probate, Procedure Development, Research Skills, Risk Analysis, Sales Management, Special Education, Special Needs, Time Management, Trust Law, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Seattle, WA
POSTED
Today

At Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. , our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality counseling for individuals, families, and professionals in all aspects of planning and conflict resolution relating to aging, disability, death, and the passing of wealth between generations. Our clients can turn to us for knowledgeable legal advice and compassionate representation. We provide top-tier guidance in the following areas:Estate planning from a simple will to complex trusts to powers of attorney and health care directivesProbate and issues related to administration of an estateTrust and estate litigationDisability law, including special education, guardianships, special needs trusts, and public benefits advocacyElder law that spans long-term care planning to end-of-life issuesLitigation & settlement planning and recovery managementOverview of PositionWe are seeking a Trusts & Estates Litigation Attorney who will be responsible for representing individuals, families, fiduciaries, and professionals in complex disputes involving trusts, estates, probate matters, fiduciary duties, capacity, undue influence, and related issues governed by Washington's Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA). This attorney will manage a high-level litigation practice that may include will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, trust and estate administration disputes, accounting disputes, trust modifications, surcharge actions, guardianship-related disputes, and other contested matters. The position requires substantial litigation experience, sound strategic judgment, and the ability to independently handle matters from initial investigation through resolution. Preference will be given to candidates with a portable book of business or demonstrated business development capability.Key ResponsibilitiesClient Counseling & RepresentationRepresent beneficiaries, fiduciaries, trustees, personal representatives, and interested parties in contested trust and estate matters, including TEDRA petitions, will contests, and fiduciary litigation.Develop and implement litigation strategy, including case assessment, risk evaluation, and client counseling on legal options and potential outcomes.Conduct discovery, including drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, subpoenas, and deposition preparation.Represent clients in mediations, arbitrations, settlement negotiations, and court proceedings in both superior court and alternative dispute resolution settings.Prepare and argue motions, including dispositive motions, evidentiary motions, and procedural motions.Draft pleadings, briefs, declarations, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents.Advise fiduciaries and beneficiaries on contested probate and trust administration issues, including accounting disputes, surcharge actions, and claims involving capacity and undue influence.Case Management & Legal WorkflowsIndependently manage a complex litigation caseload, including deadlines, strategy, and communications with parties and opposing counsel.Conduct legal research and prepare detailed memoranda, case evaluations, and litigation analysis.Coordinate effectively with paralegals, litigation support staff, and other attorneys to facilitate efficient case progression.Maintain meticulous documentation, timekeeping, and billing practices consistent with firm standards.Management of litigation budget and client expectations regarding payment of attorney fees and costs.Engage in business development activities, including cultivating referral relationships and managing existing client relationships.Client Service & ProfessionalismProvide clear and concise communication to clients regarding litigation strategy, developments, and expectations.Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and sensitivity when handling emotionally charged disputes involving family dynamics and fiduciary conflicts.Present complex legal disputes in accessible terms to clients with varying levels of sophistication.Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions and maintain strict confidentiality.Required Skills & CompetenciesActive member in good standing with the Washington State Bar AssociationStrong litigation skills, including legal research, drafting, motion practice, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy.Ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with sound judgment and strategic thinking.Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, with a proven ability to prepare persuasive briefs and arguments.Highly organized and able to manage multiple contested matters with competing deadlines.Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, particularly in navigating disputes involving families and fiduciaries.Proficiency with legal technology, including case management systems, e-filing, and document management platforms.Preferred Education & ExperienceStrong interest in trust, estates, and/or fiduciary matters.Understanding of and litigation experience with Washington trust and estate law, probate law, fiduciary duties, and TEDRA procedures.Five or more years of litigation practice.A portable book of business and demonstrated ability to develop and retain client relationships.Experience or interest in appellate work.Compensation & BenefitsWe are offering a full-time position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and size of practice from $125,000 to $200,000. We also provide a generous productivity-based monthly bonus structure. Comprehensive benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k), flexible schedule and hybrid remote work option.How to ApplyIf we sound like a firm in which you would be excited to join, please send your CV/Resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample to careers@bhdlaw.com.Direct Candidates Only - We are not accepting agency assistance for this position.#J-18808-Ljbffr

About the Company

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Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S.