You went to law school to help people. Not to review documents in the background of someone else's firm. Not to carry the overhead and stress of running your own practice. Not to bill 60 hours a week for a firm that treats you like a revenue unit.

You want to sit across from a client, understand what they've built and who they love, and help them protect it. That's estate planning done right—and that's exactly what this role is.

Ocean Estate Law is a boutique estate planning firm led by Jennifer Elliott, one of California's few State Bar Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, with over 24 years of experience and 4,500+ estate plans completed. We are growing, we are organized, and we are looking for one exceptional attorney to step into the lead legal production role on our team.

This is not a document-review job. This is not a stepping stone. This is the role.

You will own client relationships from the initial design meeting through execution. You will review plans drafted by our experienced paralegal team, guide clients through their trust funding, and make sure every family we serve leaves feeling confident and cared for.

You will not be expected to bring in clients. You will not be managing staff. You will not be drowning in administrative work. You will be doing what you trained to do—excellent estate planning law—inside a firm that has the systems, the team, and the leadership to support you.

If you've ever tried running your own firm and found that the business side got in the way of the law—we see you. That experience makes you more valuable here, not less

This Role Is Ideal for You If You:

• Have 5+ years of hands-on estate planning, trust administration, and probate experience and can hit the ground running

• Are comfortable with trust-centered estate plans, and have exposure to GRATs, SLATs, ILITs, IDGTs. Business entity planning (LLC/Corp a plus

• Want direct, meaningful client interaction—not just back-office work

• Thrive inside systems and processes, and take pride in consistent, high-quality output

• Are ready to own a caseload with a clear, achievable billable target (32 hours/week)

• Want to be part of a small, collaborative, high-performing team—not an anonymous number in a large firm

• Are looking for a long-term home, not another short-term stop

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $130,000–$150,000 (based on experience)

• Performance bonuses tied to firm growth and individual contribution

• Medical 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, 8:30 am to 5 pm. No 60-hour weeks. No weekend expectations.

• Guide clients through the trust administration and/or probate process with clarity, warmth, and genuine expertise

• 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

• Collaborate with our experienced trust administration paralegal on matter handoffs and administration support as needed

• Assist with basic business entity formation (LLC/Corp) where applicable

• Track billable time accurately and meet a clear, reasonable performance target of 32 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

• Active California State Bar license in good standing—required

• Minimum 3 years of substantive estate planning experience—required; 5+ years preferred

• Experience with trust administration and/or probate

• Demonstrated experience with trust-centered estate plans; familiarity with advanced planning strategies is a strong plus

• 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

• Prior experience in a boutique or small firm environment preferred; solo practice background welcomed

You'll Thrive Here If:

• You want ownership—of your matters, of client relationships, and your professional reputation

• You believe that showing up consistently, doing great work, and being a reliable teammate is its own reward

• You're excited to work inside a growing firm where your contributions are visible and recognized

• You want leadership that is accessible, invested in your success, and building something intentionally

• You are ready to be here for the long term—and want a firm that will invest in you accordingly

This Role Is Probably Not a Fit If:

• You want fully remote or hybrid work—this role is in-office, Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm, split between our Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, and San Clemente offices

• You prefer minimal client contact—clients are the center of everything we do, and you'll be one of their primary points of contact

• You're looking to eventually become a partner or owner—we are not structured for that path, and we're honest about it

• You struggle with consistent follow-through, time tracking, or working within established systems

• You are still figuring out estate planning fundamentals—this role requires someone who can lead, not someone who needs to be led through the basics

Ocean Estate Law, P.C., is a client-centered estate planning and trust administration firm serving individuals and families throughout California. The firm is led by founder Jennifer Elliott, who brings over 24 years of experience and has personally guided the creation of more than 4,500 estate plans. Her commitment to education, detail, and genuine client service sets the standard for how the whole team operates.

OUR NICHE:

We Help People Avoid Leaving a Mess for Their Loved Ones When They Die.

CORE VALUES:

• We Educate

• We Are Humbly Confident

• We Do the Right Thing

• We Exhibit Professionalism

• We Have Fanatical Attention to Consistency and Detail

• We Are Good Listeners

If these core values do not resonate with you, please do not apply.