OPPORTUNITY:
Seeking an attorney for our busy, growing law firm with minimum of 5+ years experience in Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, and/or Elder Law. Certified Specialist ~ Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law preferred but not required.
We are looking for a motivated and detail orientated attorney who will embrace our belief that the work we do is not just business, it is very personal to our clients. As an attorney with our firm you will be working in a dynamic setting that embraces a diversity of work including direct client communication, drafting, strategizing, and preparing estate planning documents, as well as probate court appearances. Excellent interpersonal, writing and analytical skills are required for the position, and a strong candidate will understand client service and our commitment to meeting expectations and deadlines with high-quality work product. Ability to learn and utilize our systems based approach is required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Manage large caseload.
- Handle Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate and Medi-Cal Benefits Planning cases from inception to conclusion.
- Candidate should be capable of drafting trusts, wills, estate plans, probate court petitions and similar documents with no more than minimal to moderate supervision depending on the complexity of the project.
- Effectively monitor case status and progress; maintain case files in accordance with office procedures, using case management software and time tracking databases.
- Independently handle decision making on a case by case basis with supervision and advice from Managing Attorney as needed.
- Regularly consult with clients, accountants, financial advisors, and other parties as needed to effectively move cases forward.
- Personally appear in probate court hearings.
- Develop a strategic approach and provide leadership and direction to paralegals, legal assistants, and team members.
- Cultivate relationships with the firm’s existing and future clients by maintaining consistent and timely communication.
- Report on caseload at weekly case review meeting.
- Be a self-starter, meet deadlines, prioritize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and work well with change in a fast-paced cross-functional environment.
- Effectively and efficiently lead Paralegals and Support staff.
REQUIREMENTS/COMPETENCIES
To perform the duties of this position successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:
- Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; change approach or method to best fit the situation. Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Required to work a flexible schedule to facilitate program services that may include nights and weekends.
- Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
- Client services: Manages difficult or emotional client situations; responds promptly to client needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
- Delegation: Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
- Diversity: Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences. Ability to provide culturally-sensitive inputs to staff and clients, and to take cultural differences into account in program design and leadership.
- Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
- Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and to trying new things.
- Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
- Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
- Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations.
- Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; maintains healthy communication and proper boundaries.
- Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Written/Verbal Communication: Writes/speaks clearly and informatively. Ability to effectively explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Distinguished academic record from an accredited law school and licensed with the California State Bar.
- Minimum 5+ years experience in Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, and/or Elder Law. Applicants with relevant experience in civil litigation, real estate law, tax and/or business law are also encouraged to apply.
- Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
- Must be familiar with a variety of estate planning concepts, practices and procedures.
- High proficiency in computer skills. Forward-thinking, technologically proficient, and digital oriented.
COMPENSATION:
We offer competitive benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, 401K with 4% match, paid leave, and compensation package commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Please submit electronically the following:
- Cover Letter.
- Resume.
- Writing Sample.
LAW FIRM OVERVIEW:
Harris & Plottel has served clients and multi-generational families with family-owned farms and other businesses since 1986. The firm has grown to serve clients throughout Northern California and, through referrals from clients, attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors across California, now enjoys a statewide reputation in estate planning, asset preservation and elder law, representing many of northern California’s families. Harris & Plottel prides itself on having a culture that is friendly, approachable and values its employees.
Harris & Plottel, LLP offers a wide range of traditional estate planning services including drafting of trusts, wills, durable powers of attorney, as well as trust and probate administration. The Firm has also been distinguished as the area’s leading law firm in the more specialized areas of public benefits planning, special needs trusts, Medi-Cal qualification, and other forms of asset preservation for long term care. The Firm is unique in its ability to customize plans for a wide spectrum of people with estates of all sizes. Our attorneys and staff are committed to providing prompt, professional, and quality legal services to its diverse clientele.
The Firm is located in the heart of Chico in a beautiful, mid-century modern office building located directly across from the world famous Bidwell Park. Professionals from the Bay Area and Southern California are gravitating to Chico, attracted by its good schools, affordable homes, lower cost of living, unmatched recreational opportunities, and the cultural benefits provided by Chico State University. If you are looking to relocate your practice, Chico is a great city that offers a quality lifestyle with no commutes.
Ideal candidate may have previously worked as:
Estate Planning Attorney – Estate Planning Lawyer - Real estate Attorney – Real Estate lawyer – business lawyer – Business law attorney – Trust Litigation attorney – Trust litigation Lawyer – Contract Attorney – Contract Lawyer – Managing Attorney - Managing Lawyer
Harris & Plottel, LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Supplemental pay types:
Experience:
- Estate planning: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person