EXPERIENCED CIVIL LITIGATION ATTORNEY | Partnership Track Opportunity
Trust & Estate Litigation | Business Litigation | Probate & Trust Administration
LOCATION: Northern California (Douglas Boulevard, Roseville)
COMPENSATION: $150,000–$250,000 total compensation package, DOE and skills / value to the firm at onboarding
EXPERIENCE: 5+ years of litigation experience
Build Your Career. Develop Your Practice. Become a Partner.
Are you an experienced litigator looking for more than another associate position? Would you welcome the opportunity to handle sophisticated litigation, work directly with clients, contribute to the growth of a successful law firm, and potentially become a partner?
We are a Northern California law firm focused on trust and estate litigation, business litigation, (light Probate and Trust Administration) for medium- to high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and other clients with complex legal disputes. We are seeking an experienced civil litigation attorney who is ready to take the next step in their career and grow with our firm.
This is an opportunity for an attorney who values high-quality legal work, client relationships, professional independence, and the potential to build a long-term future within a growing litigation practice.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The successful candidate will work on sophisticated, consequential disputes involving substantial financial interests, complex factual issues, and clients who expect thoughtful, result-oriented representation.
Depending on experience and qualifications, responsibilities may include:
▪ Managing litigation matters from initial case assessment through discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiations, trial, and appeal.
▪ Representing clients in contested trust and estate matters, including disputes involving fiduciary duties, inheritance, trust administration, and financial interests. Handling business and commercial disputes involving business owners, closely held companies, contractual relationships, and other complex business matters.
▪ Developing litigation strategies, preparing pleadings and motions, conducting and defending depositions, and managing written discovery.
▪ Advising clients on litigation risks, settlement opportunities, and strategies for achieving favorable outcomes.
▪ Working directly with clients and taking meaningful ownership of cases and client relationships.
▪ An additional opportunity for practice development: The firm is evaluating expansion into litigation involving skilled nursing facilities and other care providers. An attorney with relevant experience or a strong interest in developing this area may have an opportunity to help shape and grow this portion of our firm’s practice.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are interested in a California licensed attorney who combines strong litigation skills with sound judgment, initiative, and an interest in building a long-term professional future.
Required Qualifications:
▪ At least five years of litigation experience.
▪ Admission to, and good standing with, the State Bar of California.
▪ Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
▪ Experience managing litigation matters and exercising independent professional judgment.
▪ Excellent communication skills and the ability to build productive client relationships.
▪ A commitment to professionalism, ethical advocacy, and high-quality client service.
Particularly attractive qualifications:
▪ Experience in trust and estate litigation, business litigation, commercial disputes, or complex civil litigation.
▪ Experience taking depositions, arguing motions, negotiating settlements, and preparing cases for trial.
▪ Experience handling cases involving substantial financial interests or sophisticated clients.
▪ An entrepreneurial mindset and an interest in developing business, expanding practice areas, and contributing to the firm's continued growth.
▪ Experience in elder abuse litigation, professional negligence, or claims involving skilled nursing facilities or other care providers would be a plus, particularly for candidates interested in helping develop this potential practice area.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We recognize the value an experienced litigator brings to a firm and offer a compensation package designed to reflect the candidate's experience, capabilities, and contribution.
Total compensation: $150,000–$250,000, depending on experience, skills, and anticipated value to the firm.
Medical insurance: Available after 90 days of employment.
Retirement benefits: Participation in the firm's SEP IRA retirement plan after three years of employment, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
Professional growth: Opportunities to take on greater responsibility, develop client relationships, and contribute to practice development.
Potential partnership: Attorneys who demonstrate strong performance, sound judgment, client service, and meaningful contributions to the firm may be considered for partnership.
The firm values attorneys who want to grow professionally and contribute to its long-term success. Partnership is a potential career path for candidates who demonstrate the performance, leadership, and business development capabilities needed to succeed in that role. Advancement is based on individual performance and the firm's partnership criteria.
WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY?
Many experienced attorneys reach a point in their careers when they want greater responsibility, more direct client contact, and a clearer opportunity to influence their professional future.
This position offers the chance to do meaningful litigation work, develop expertise in complex disputes, build lasting client relationships, and contribute to a firm's future direction.
If you are an experienced California litigator who wants to do excellent legal work while building something more, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume or CV together with a brief cover letter describing your litigation experience, principal practice areas, and professional interests. You can apply via this platform but we encourage you apply by emailing the following: Stephen@SterlingCounsel.com and Michelle@SterlingCounsel.com. We are not fans of the resume that this platform creates for you.
We welcome inquiries from qualified attorneys interested in discussing the position and the potential for long-term professional growth.
Benefits:
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan: SEP IRA
License/Certification: California State BAR License
Work Location: In person
NO RECRUITERS PLEASE
