Relationship Manager, Trust Counsel (Hybrid) at First American in Santa Ana, CA

Job description

Who We Are Join a team that puts its People First! Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com. What We Do The Relationship Manager, Trust Counsel serves as a trusted legal advisor to high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and internal business partners on trust and estate matters. This role combines sophisticated trust and estate expertise with client relationship management, with a primary focus on trust administration, post-death estate administration, probate matters, fiduciary responsibilities, estate settlement, and regulatory compliance. The position partners closely with trustees, beneficiaries, financial advisors, tax professionals, and wealth management teams to deliver exceptional client service and fiduciary solutions. The role regularly advises on complex estate and trust administration matters, including probate proceedings, court-related processes, beneficiary issues, and fiduciary decision-making. What You’ll Do: Serve as a trusted legal advisor to high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and internal business partners on trust and estate matters. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, trustees, beneficiaries, financial advisors, tax professionals, and other key stakeholders. Provide legal guidance on trust administration, fiduciary responsibilities, estate settlement, probate matters, post-death administration, wealth transfer strategies, and regulatory compliance. Manage and advise on all aspects of post-death trust and estate administration, including probate proceedings, court filings, court appearances, asset transfers, beneficiary matters, creditor claims, and estate settlement activities. Review, interpret, and advise on trust agreements, wills, powers of attorney, estate planning documents, and related legal instruments. Counsel clients and fiduciaries regarding trust administration matters, beneficiary issues, account distributions, fiduciary decision-making, and estate settlement requirements. Partner with internal business units to ensure trust services are delivered in accordance with fiduciary obligations, legal requirements, and organizational policies. Identify, assess, and mitigate legal, fiduciary, and regulatory risks associated with trust and estate activities. Support complex client situations by developing practical solutions that balance client objectives, fiduciary responsibilities, and legal risk. Collaborate with external attorneys, accountants, wealth advisors, tax professionals, and court personnel to support post-death administration and long-term client planning objectives. Monitor account activity to ensure compliance with established company policies, fiduciary standards, regulatory requirements, and completion of annual Reg. 9 reviews. Stay current on trust, estate, probate, fiduciary, and wealth planning laws, regulations, and industry developments that may impact clients and trust operations. Maintain accurate records of client interactions, legal guidance, court-related matters, and account activity while ensuring confidentiality and data integrity. What You’ll Bring: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. 7+ years of experience practicing trust and e