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Probate Litigation Attorney Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Aprio

Estate Planning Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a skilled and client-focused Estate Planning Attorney with a minimum of five years ... Background in probate litigation or trust administration. * Ability to deliver presentations and ...

All JobsProbate Litigation Attorney JobsProbate Litigation Attorney Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Probate Litigation Attorney information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$74.1K

$126.7K

$181K

How much do probate litigation attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for probate litigation attorney in Silver Spring, MD is $126,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,267.00 and $154,424.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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such as navigating complex family dynamics, handling emotionally charged disputes, and interpreting ambiguous or outdated will provisions.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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Probate Litigation Attorney, and why are they important?

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 probate litigation attorneys?

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.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

A probate litigation attorney can earn $500,000 or more annually by building a strong client base, handling complex estate disputes, and developing expertise in high-value cases. Increasing billable hours, specializing in lucrative probate matters, and gaining reputation through successful outcomes can also contribute to higher income levels.

Do probate judges need a law degree?

Probate judges are typically required to be licensed attorneys with experience in law, as they handle complex legal matters related to estate administration and probate proceedings. Most jurisdictions mandate that probate judges have a law degree and have passed the bar exam before serving on the bench.

What is the difference between probate and litigation?

A probate litigation attorney specializes in resolving disputes related to the probate process, which involves validating a will and distributing a deceased person's estate. Probate refers to the legal process of administering an estate, while litigation involves resolving disputes through court proceedings, such as contesting a will or challenging estate administration. Both require knowledge of estate laws and courtroom skills.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Probate litigation attorneys can earn high salaries, especially with extensive experience, a strong reputation, and a successful practice, but earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically reserved for top earners in large firms or those with specialized expertise. Most attorneys earn less, with salaries varying based on location, firm size, and years of practice.
What are popular job titles related to Probate Litigation Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Probate Litigation Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Probate Litigation Attorney jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Probate Litigation Attorney job openings:
Probate Litigation Attorney jobs near you
Associate Attorney (Trusts & Estates)- 3625352

Associate Attorney (Trusts & Estates)- 3625352

AMS Staffing, Inc.

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Associate Attorney (Trusts & Estates)

Location: Bethesda, MD

Salary/Payrate: $150K-$200K annually and AWESOME benefits!!!

Work Environment: Hybrid (4 days onsite / 1 days WFH after 3-month ramp up period)

Term: Permanent / Fulltime

Bachelor’s degree required: Juris Doctor

Referral Fee: AMS will pay $500 should the person you refer gets hired



Job Description:


Associate Attorney

  • 5+ years of Trusts & Estates experience required
  • Estate planning drafting experience required
  • Estate & trust administration experience required
  • Probate experience strongly preferred
  • LLM in Taxation is a plus but not required
  • Mid-level complexity work with opportunity to be trained into more sophisticated HNW planning
  • Looking for someone who can contribute immediately with minimal ramp-up


Partner

  • Significant Trusts & Estates experience
  • Advanced estate planning
  • Estate & trust administration
  • High-net-worth client experience preferred
  • LLM preferred
  • Portable book preferred but not required
  • Leadership and supervision experience expected

Ideal Associate

  • 5+ years of estate planning experience (hard requirement)
  • Comfortable drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate planning documents independently
  • Estate and trust administration experience
  • Probate litigation or probate administration is a significant plus
  • Strong personality fit with a collaborative, intellectually curious team
  • Interested in long-term growth and partnership
  • Doesn't need a book of business


Ideal Partner

  • Significant estate planning and administration background
  • Comfortable supervising attorneys and staff
  • High-net-worth planning experience preferred
  • Existing book is helpful but not mandatory
  • Entrepreneurial but collaborative

Compensation


Associate

  • Approximately $150K for candidates around 5 years of experience
  • Up to approximately $200K for candidates closer to 10 years
  • Some flexibility depending on experience
  • Structured quarterly billable bonus
  • Discretionary year-end bonus
  • Origination bonus program



Billables

  • Associates: 1,650
  • Paralegals: 1,550
  • Firm noted that very few attorneys actually hit 1,650
  • Quarterly bonuses tied to billables



Schedule / Office

  • Primarily in-office
  • Staff: 4 days/week in office
  • Attorneys: 7 out of every 10 working days in office
  • Remote flexibility available after approximately 90 days
  • Looking for attorneys who enjoy collaborating in person


Culture

The biggest hiring factor is personality.

The firm specifically wants attorneys who:

  • Enjoy estate planning
  • Like discussing complex legal issues
  • Want to learn
  • Want to mentor and be mentored
  • Prefer working on a team rather than operating independently
  • Are looking for a long-term home rather than a stepping stone



Practice

Primary work consists of:

  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Administration
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Mid- to High-Net-Worth planning
  • Complex drafting
  • Family wealth planning


Partnership Track

  • Clear path to Non-Equity Partner
  • Associates work with all partners rather than being assigned to one attorney
  • Significant mentorship
  • Opportunity for long-term advancement
  • Looking for attorneys interested in eventually becoming firm leaders

Benefits

  • 401(k) participation beginning Day 1
  • Profit sharing (must remain employed through year-end; 20% vested initially)
  • Medical insurance (Kaiser or United Healthcare)
  • Firm covers employee medical premium; dependents at employee expense
  • Dental insurance (Aetna)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (after 6 months)
  • Professional Development Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid parental leave:
  • 6 weeks paid
  • Additional 6 weeks unpaid
  • Applies to birth or adoption (policy currently being updated)
  • PTO is flexible as long as attorneys remain current on their work and billable expectations
  • Parking:
  • ~$140/month unreserved
  • ~$190/month reserved
  • Employee expense