Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Attorney — Family Law | Fredericksburg, VA

Shawna L. Stevens PLLC is a thriving family law practice in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and we are hiring a full-time Associate Attorney. This is a rare chance to build real litigation experience quickly, with the autonomy to run your own matters and direct mentorship from an attorney who has practiced Virginia family law for more than 20 years.

Demand for our work has grown faster than one attorney can meet, which is exactly why this role exists and why it is a genuine opportunity. You will not spend months waiting for meaningful work. From early on, you will carry your own cases, appear in court, and grow as a litigator, with support close at hand.

About the firm

With more than 20 years of experience in Virginia family law, Shawna L. Stevens has built a respected regional practice serving the City of Fredericksburg and six surrounding counties: Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, Orange, and Westmoreland. It is a focused, collegial firm where your work has a direct and visible impact on clients during some of the most significant moments of their lives, and where a driven attorney has real room to grow as the practice expands.

Why this role is worth your time

• Meaningful work, fast. A steady, growing caseload means you build courtroom and negotiation experience quickly rather than waiting years for it.
• Autonomy over your schedule. This role offers hybrid flexibility. Court appearances happen in person, but you and your clients set the rhythm of the rest of your week. You manage your own caseload with real independence, within a supportive firm.
• Direct mentorship. You work alongside a 20-year family law attorney, with collaboration on complex and high-conflict matters rather than being left to sink or swim.
• Room to grow. As the firm expands, so does your role. This is a place to build a career, not fill a seat.
• Your professional costs are covered so you can focus on the work (see below).

What you'll do

• Handle family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division
• Meet with clients, develop case strategy, and guide them through the process
• Draft pleadings, motions, settlement agreements, and correspondence
• Appear in the circuit and general district courts across the Fredericksburg region
• Negotiate settlements and take part in mediation where it fits the case
• Run your own caseload with the autonomy to manage it your way, collaborating with Shawna on the most complex matters

What we're looking for

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to the Virginia State Bar, or a recent graduate awaiting Virginia bar results (admission is required to practice as an attorney)
• A genuine interest in family law. We will consider newly barred attorneys, those with a few years of experience, and attorneys returning to practice. We also welcome recent law school graduates awaiting Virginia bar results, who would begin in a supervised capacity and step into the full associate role upon admission to the Virginia State Bar
• Familiarity with Virginia domestic relations issues and a willingness to learn local court procedures
• Strong writing, clear communication, and the drive to carry your own matters

A plus, not a requirement

• Experience with contested custody or higher-asset divorce
• Familiarity with military divorce issues, given our proximity to Quantico, Dahlgren, and Fort Belvoir
• Experience with practice management software such as MyCase
• Ties to the Fredericksburg, Stafford, or Spotsylvania community

Compensation and what we offer

• $95,000 to $130,000 per year , depending on experience, with eligibility for performance-based compensation as the firm grows
• 401(k)
• Firm-covered malpractice insurance and local bar association dues
• CLE reimbursement and professional development support
• Hybrid schedule with real autonomy over your time
• Direct mentorship from a 20-year Virginia family law attorney
• A clear path to grow with an expanding practice

Location and schedule

Based out of our Fredericksburg office at 307 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 200. The role blends in-person court appearances across the region with the flexibility to shape the rest of your schedule around your cases and your clients.

To apply

We review applications as they arrive and respond promptly.

Shawna L. Stevens PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Professional development assistance