Job Description

Lateral Litigation Partner – Trust & Estate Litigation

Location: Santa Barbara, California

Compensation Range: $250,000 – $600,000+ (based on experience, book of business, and team size)

We’re not just hiring—we’re building something great. At The Estate Lawyers, we protect trustees from getting sued and beneficiaries from getting screwed. We’re one of Southern California’s fastest-growing trust and estate litigation firms, known for our sharp strategy, exceptional client service, and values-driven culture.

This isn’t just another lateral move— it’s a legacy opportunity . As our first Partner in Santa Barbara, you’ll be the foundation of something new. You’ll bring trust and estate litigation firepower to an underserved market, with the full support, infrastructure, and vision of a firm that’s already proven in Orange County and San Diego.

If you’re ready to build a practice, shape a regional presence, and create real impact while still having the autonomy to lead, this is your moment.

Who This Role Is For

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Are a seasoned litigator with 10+ years of experience, including heavy trust and estate litigation
• Have deep ties to the Santa Barbara legal and fiduciary community, or want to build them
• Are ready to plant your flag and lead our expansion into Santa Barbara
• Have a portable book of business—or want to leverage our systems and support to scale yours
• May have trusted team members (paralegals, associates, etc.) you'd like to bring along
• Are passionate about mentoring and building a high-performing regional team
• Want to collaborate and win with some of the best trust and estate litigators in Southern California
• Live our values: Stay Hungry. Radical Candor. Radical Respect. Team Win / Client Win. No Jerks Allowed.

This Role Is Not For You If

• You prefer a slow-paced environment or need reminders to stay on track
• You avoid mentoring or collaborating with others
• You struggle with direct feedback or courtroom responsibility
• You’re not interested in helping build a regional office or expand your influence

Education and Experience

• Active California Bar license in good standing
• 10+ years of litigation experience, including trials, depositions, and motion practice
• 3+ years of focused experience in trust and estate litigation
• A winning reputation among peers, fiduciaries, and clients
• Expert knowledge of the California Probate Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and Evidence Code
• Experience supervising attorneys and staff preferred

What You’ll Be Doing (and How You’ll Know You’re Crushing It)

You’ll be measured by your ability to:

• Launch and grow our Santa Barbara practice with confidence and strategic foresight
• Lead trust and estate litigation matters from intake to resolution
• Build and/or manage a book of business with origination incentives
• Mentor attorneys and contribute to a collaborative regional culture
• Deliver exceptional strategy, service, and results to clients
• Serve as the “face” of our firm in Santa Barbara—both legally and reputationally

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee litigation cases through trial and final resolution
• Supervise and mentor associates, paralegals, and support staff
• Build and strengthen referral networks in the Santa Barbara region
• Collaborate with intake, marketing, and operations teams to scale your practice
• Represent the firm in strategy meetings, CLEs, and community-building events

What We Expect From This Role

• Commitment to results, deadlines, and exceptional client service
• Personal accountability and leadership maturity
• Comfort giving and receiving feedback
• Passion for litigation, team building, and growth

Why Join The Estate Lawyers?

At TEL, we don’t just talk about values—we live them. We invest in our people, reward initiative, and create space for great lawyers to thrive. If you’re looking for a high-performance team without the burnout culture, you’ll feel at home here.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Foundational Opportunity – Be the first to lead and grow our Santa Barbara office
• Autonomy + Support – You lead the region, we provide the infrastructure
• Clear Path to Equity – With access to firm leadership and meaningful strategic input
• Smart Systems – Sophisticated intake, marketing, and operations to support your growth
• Hybrid Flexibility – On-site presence with schedule flexibility after ramp-up
• True Culture Fit – Radical candor, radical respect, and no jerks allowed
• Room to Grow Together – If you have a trusted team, we’re open to bringing them with you

Compensation & Benefits

• Position Type: Full-Time / Exempt
• Base Compensation: $250,000 – $600,000+ based on experience, book, and leadership role
• Compensation Add-Ons:
• Origination Bonuses and/or Partnership Distributions
• Equity path potential for qualified candidates
• Benefits Include:
• Unlimited paid time off (if KPIs are met)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with monthly firm contribution
• 401(k) with profit sharing
• CLE, tech, and bar dues reimbursement
• Quarterly firm events and annual retreats
• Work Location: On-site in Santa Barbara (with hybrid flexibility after onboarding)

Ready to Build Something That Matters?

Email your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to: [email protected]

Subject Line: [Your Name] – Partner – Santa Barbara

In your cover letter, please share:

• What excites you about building a litigation practice in Santa Barbara
• Why you’re drawn to The Estate Lawyers
• What unique value you’ll bring to our firm—and this new market
• Whether you have a trusted team you’d like to bring along

We can’t wait to meet you.

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