Company Description

Ocean Estate Law, PC has served the estate planning needs of over 3,500 clients for more than 20 years. Recognized for its excellence, the firm was voted San Clemente’s Best Law Firm for the last 5 years in a row. Committed to providing exceptional legal services, the firm prides itself on helping clients protect their assets and plan for the future. With offices located in San Clemente and Laguna Hills, CA, Ocean Estate Law is a trusted, award-winning practice dedicated to client satisfaction throughout all of South Orange County.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Associate Attorney role based in either our San Clemente or Laguna Hills office. The Associate Attorney role is intended to provide legal support to the firm in the form of meeting with clients and providing guidance on foundational estate planning, as well as advanced-level tax and asset protection strategies. The Associate Attorney will be client-facing, as well as assisting with document preparation and review.

Duties & Responsibilities

Client Relationship & Plan Execution

Guide clients through the estate planning process with clarity, warmth, and genuine expertise, from design meeting through trust execution and funding
Review customized estate plans (trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives) drafted by our paralegal team, ensuring accuracy and alignment with each client's goals
Conduct execution meetings, ensuring clients understand what they've signed and how to properly fund their trust
Serve as the client's primary point of contact throughout the planning process, building trust and long-term relationships

Advanced Estate Planning

Evaluate client circumstances for advanced planning opportunities and make appropriate strategy recommendations
Design and implement advanced estate planning strategies, including but not limited to: Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs), Family Limited Partnerships / LLCs for wealth transfer and asset protection
Collaborate with clients' CPAs, financial advisors, and other professionals to coordinate integrated planning strategies
Stay current on federal and California estate, gift, and income tax law as it affects planning recommendations

Trust Administration & Business Entity Work

Collaborate with our trust administration associate on matter handoffs and post-death administration support as needed
Assist with basic business entity formation (LLC/Corp) where applicable, an area we are actively expanding

Systems & Operations

Track billable time accurately and meet a clear, reasonable performance target of 32 billable hours per week
Operate within our established systems (Microsoft Office, MyCase or similar CRM, WealthCounsel or similar drafting software) to keep client matters moving efficiently
Contribute to a team culture of accountability, excellence, and genuine care for clients and colleagues

Perform other duties and tasks as assigned to support attorneys, clients, and firm operations.

Qualifications

Active California State Bar license in good standing, required
Minimum 3 years of substantive estate planning experience, required; 5+ years preferred
Demonstrated, hands-on experience with advanced planning strategies including ILITs, IDGTs, GRATs, SLATs, CRTs, and/or family entity planning, required
Comfort and confidence in direct client communication: written, verbal, and in-person
Ability to work independently and manage a caseload without step-by-step supervision
Strong attention to detail; clients are trusting us with their families' futures
Experience with trust administration and/or probate is a bonus, not a requirement
Prior experience in a boutique or small firm environment preferred; solo practice background welcomed
Must be available to work in-office Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Must be able to work from either the Laguna Hills or San Clemente office depending on business needs
Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license to travel between office locations

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: Starting at $150,000 per year (based on experience)
Performance bonuses tied to firm growth and individual contribution
Medical (50% from 0-3 years, 75% 3-4 years, 100% 5+ years), dental, vision benefits
401(k) with 3% employer match + profit sharing, eligible after 12 months
Paid time off and holidays
A schedule that actually ends: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. No 60-hour weeks. No weekend expectations.

NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS ABOUT THIS ROLE. NO RECRUITERS OR HEADHUNTERS.

Ocean Estate Law

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