Family Law Attorney Associate

Job Description

Job Description

About Us
We are a boutique family law firm dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized representation in dissolution, custody, support, and related matters. Our practice is focused on professionalism, integrity, and client-centered advocacy. We offer a collegial environment, reasonable caseloads, and strong support staff.

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Family Law Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate has a solid background in California family law, is comfortable handling their own caseload from intake through resolution, and enjoys working closely with clients during difficult transitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload of family law matters, including dissolution, legal separation, paternity, custody/visitation, child and spousal support, and property division.
• Handle all aspects of litigation: pleadings, discovery, law and motion, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
• Appear at hearings, status conferences, settlement conferences, and trials in Orange County and surrounding counties, as needed.
• Draft high-quality pleadings, declarations, settlement proposals, and correspondence.
• Provide clear, compassionate communication and advice to clients, managing expectations and strategy.
• Collaborate with staff (paralegals, legal assistants) to ensure deadlines are met and files are maintained in an orderly fashion.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping and assist with billing-related tasks consistent with firm policies.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Minimum 5 years of recent experience practicing California family law .
• Substantial experience with:
• Judicial Council forms and local rules (Orange County and Los Angeles, preferred).
• Discovery (form/special interrogatories, RFAs, RFPs, subpoenas) and evidence issues.
• Law and motion practice (RFOs, DVROs, contempt, post‑judgment issues).
• Strong courtroom skills and comfort conducting hearings and contested matters.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Professional, empathetic approach to clients dealing with emotionally charged issues.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with complex property division, business valuations, and support guideline software (e.g., DissoMaster or similar).
• Familiarity with Odyssey/e-filing and electronic document management systems (e.g., Dropbox, practice management software).
• Prior experience in a boutique or small firm environment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus potential.
• Benefits package (e.g., health insurance, PTO, MCLE support, bar dues reimbursement – tailor to your firm).
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the firm.

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample (preferably a family law pleading or brief) to [insert email address]. In your cover letter, briefly describe your family law experience, typical caseload, and your approach to client communication.