Associate Attorney - Estate Planning & Litigation - Work-Life Balance Fo

Elevate Your Legal Career at Gaudy Law Inc.

Are you seeking a break from the relentless demands of big-firm life? Gaudy Law Inc., a boutique firm in Upland, California, offers the refreshing change you've been looking for!

Specializing in estate planning, probate, trust administration, and estate litigation, we foster a supportive and collaborative work environment where mentorship, professional growth, and work-life balance are prioritized. At Gaudy Law Inc., we view mistakes as learning opportunities and encourage open communication and teamwork to achieve success together.

About the Role

As an Associate Attorney at our Upland office, you will be cross-trained in multiple practice areas, gaining invaluable experience in estate planning, probate, trust administration, and estate litigation. We provide a supportive environment for professional development with a manageable billable hour requirement of 1,680 hours per year.

This role is ideal for someone with hourly billing experience and a background in litigation or contested cases, particularly involving conservatorships, trusts, and probate matters. Experience in court appearances, opposing counsel interactions, and contested proceedings is highly preferred.

About You

• Experience: 1-5 years, with litigation exposure or a strong interest in building litigation skills. Experience with hourly billing in litigation, conservatorships, trusts, and probate matters is a plus.
• Courtroom & Litigation Exposure: Prior experience handling contested cases, court appearances, and interactions with opposing attorneys is highly desirable. Will consider candidates who may not have litigation experience if they are experienced in hourly billing and working on Conservatorship matters.
• Independence: You take ownership of cases and thrive as a self-starter.
• Versatility: Open to learning different practice areas and value mentorship from a senior attorney.
• Communication: Strong legal writing, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Career-Driven: Seeking a long-term career opportunity, not just a job.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and case analysis
• Draft pleadings, legal documents, and correspondence
• Manage discovery requests and responses
• Conduct depositions, trial preparation, and court appearances
• Communicate effectively with clients, courts, and opposing counsel
• Handle estate planning, probate, trust administration, and contested matters

• 1-5 years of legal experience, preferably in civil litigation, contested matters, or trust and probate litigation (civil litigation strongly preferred but not required)
• Active California Bar license (Required)
• Courtroom experience preferred, including appearances, motion practice, or contested hearings
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to advocate effectively in legal proceedings and client interactions
• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills, particularly in managing hourly billing and litigation deadlines
• Willingness to learn and expand legal expertise, including litigation strategies and trust/probate law
• Open to coaching and mentorship, with a growth-oriented mindset

• Competitive salary based on experience ($100,000 - $150,000)
• Health insurance
• Generous bonus potential & referral fees
• Professional growth opportunities within the firm
• Mentorship from a senior attorney
• Paid time off (vacation & sick time)
• Coverage of bar association dues
• CLE reimbursement
• Paid parking

How to Apply

To seize this exceptional opportunity, submit your detailed resume and cover letter, explaining why you're seeking this position and why you're the perfect fit for our firm.

Join Gaudy Law Inc. – Where Your Skills Are Celebrated, Your Growth Is Nurtured, and Your Work-Life Balance Is Respected!

We will contact candidates whose qualifications best match our needs. Please no direct inquiries or agency inquiries.