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Probate Litigation Attorney Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site

Cook & Bartlett, PLLC, an established, three-attorney firm, is seeking a motivated and forward ... We prefer 3-7 years of experience including two years in estate planning, probate, and litigation.

Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site

Cook & Bartlett, PLLC, an established, three-attorney firm, is seeking a motivated and forward ... We prefer 3-7 years of experience including two years in estate planning, probate, and litigation.

Be Seen First

... attorneys, draft pleadings, organize creditor claims, prepare annual reports and close probates ... Litigation Paralegal Same personal qualifications as above but you will be dealing with litigation ...

Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Cook & Bartlett, PLLC, an established, three-attorney firm, is seeking a motivated and forward ... We prefer 3-7 years of experience including two years in estate planning, probate, and litigation.

Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Cook & Bartlett, PLLC, an established, three-attorney firm, is seeking a motivated and forward ... We prefer 3-7 years of experience including two years in estate planning, probate, and litigation.

Be Seen First

... attorneys, draft pleadings, organize creditor claims, prepare annual reports and close probates ... Litigation Paralegal Same personal qualifications as above but you will be dealing with litigation ...

Probate Litigation Attorney information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$78.5K

$134.1K

$191.6K

How much do probate litigation attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for probate litigation attorney in Seattle, WA is $134,129.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,231.00 and $163,429.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a probate litigation attorney?

Probate litigation attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in handling disputes that arise during the probate process, which is the legal procedure for administering a deceased person's estate. These attorneys represent heirs, beneficiaries, executors, or other interested parties in conflicts involving wills, trusts, estate administration, or claims against the estate. Their work may include contesting or defending the validity of wills, addressing breaches of fiduciary duty, or resolving disagreements over asset distribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a probate litigation attorney?

To thrive as a Probate Litigation Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, a valid state license to practice law, and deep knowledge of probate, estate, and trust law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and court filing systems is typically required. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and client communication skills help attorneys effectively navigate disputes and work with diverse parties. These abilities are essential for advocating successfully in complex, emotionally charged probate cases while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by probate litigation attorneys during contested estate cases?

Probate litigation attorneys often encounter challenges such as navigating complex family dynamics, handling emotionally charged disputes, and interpreting ambiguous or outdated will provisions. These cases frequently require balancing legal expertise with strong interpersonal skills to mediate between parties and facilitate fair resolutions. Additionally, attorneys must be adept at managing tight court deadlines and staying up-to-date with evolving probate laws to effectively advocate for their clients.

What is the difference between Probate Litigation Attorney vs Estate Planning Attorney?

AspectProbate Litigation AttorneyEstate Planning Attorney
CredentialsLaw degree, state bar license, knowledge of probate lawsLaw degree, state bar license, expertise in estate planning laws
Work EnvironmentCourts, litigation settings, legal officesLaw offices, client consultations, drafting documents
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, courts, private clientsLaw firms, financial institutions, private clients
Common Search IntentDisputes over wills, estate contests, probate issuesCreating wills, trusts, estate tax planning

While both Probate Litigation Attorneys and Estate Planning Attorneys work within estate law, the former specializes in resolving disputes related to probate and wills, often involving litigation. Estate Planning Attorneys focus on preparing legal documents to manage assets during life and after death, emphasizing proactive planning. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right legal support for their specific needs.

What are popular job titles related to Probate Litigation Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Probate Litigation Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Probate Litigation Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Probate Litigation Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Employment Attorney (Counseling + Litigation)

Direct Counsel

Seattle, WA

$140K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Employment Attorney (Counseling + Litigation)
Location: On-site preferred (with some flexibility) – Seattle, WA
Practice Area: Employment Law (Employer-Side)
Seniority: Mid- to Senior-Level (5+ years)


About the Opportunity

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employment Attorney to join a business-focused, full-service law firm serving small to mid-size businesses.

The firm was founded by former big-law attorneys who wanted to build a practice centered on high-quality legal work, collaboration, and sustainable work–life balance. The firm now offers integrated services across:

  • Business / Corporate

  • Employment

  • Litigation

  • Tax

  • Estate Planning / Probate

The culture is collegial, supportive, and in-office, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and long-term professional growth.


Position Overview

This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys both employment counseling and litigation. The attorney will step into an established employer-side employment practice, inheriting work from a senior attorney approaching retirement.

The position includes a mix of:

  • Day-to-day employment counseling and policy work for employers

  • Employment litigation and administrative matters when disputes arise

The attorney will work directly with business clients, providing practical legal guidance and representation.


Key Responsibilities

Employment Counseling

  • Advise employers on hiring, discipline, termination, leave issues, and accommodations

  • Draft and update employee handbooks, policies, and employment agreements

  • Provide compliance guidance under federal, state, and local employment laws

Employment Litigation

  • Handle or supervise litigation matters, including:

    • Discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims

    • Wage-and-hour disputes and statutory claims

    • Administrative charges and agency proceedings (EEOC and state agencies)

Client & Firm Collaboration

  • Collaborate with attorneys across business and litigation practices

  • Support ongoing client relationships and contribute to practice growth over time


Qualifications
  • 5+ years of employer-side employment-law experience

  • Strong background in employment counseling, policy development, and compliance

  • Experience handling or materially contributing to employment litigation

  • Ability to manage matters independently while working collaboratively

  • Excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills

  • Admission (or ability to become admitted) in Washington State


Work Environment & Expectations

Billable Hours

  • Target of approximately 1,600 billable hours annually

  • Emphasis on sustainable workloads and balance

Culture

  • Collaborative, in-person environment

  • Strong mentorship and partner accessibility

  • Focus on long-term careers, not churn

Schedule

  • Attorneys are generally in the office most days

  • Some remote flexibility (e.g., one day per week) after onboarding

  • More in-office presence expected initially

Compensation
  • Base salary range: $140,000 – $220,000, depending on experience, skills, and level of independence in both counseling and litigation

  • Bonus opportunities may be available based on performance

  • Benefits package includes health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off