Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn from some of the most esteemed attorneys and grow your career? Our law firm is looking for the next associate attorney to assist in providing legal counsel to clients. You will work closely with our senior partners and associates, conduct legal research, draft documents, and maintain client files. If you’ve recently graduated from law school, have excellent fact-finding and communication skills, and are ready to jump-start your career in the legal industry, we want to hear from you!

Compensation:

$140,000 - $165,000 yearly

Responsibilities:

• Resolve cases efficiently by using communicating effectively with and working alongside senior attorneys and paralegals
• Organize and maintain files to ensure accuracy for other attorneys, paralegals, and staff
• Assist clients in determining a proper solution to legal conflicts and determine the best course of action
• Prepare correspondence and legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, briefs, affidavits, motions, and settlement agreements for contract negotiations and proceedings
• Perform legal research, prepare for and attend hearings or other legal proceedings, and give general counsel under the supervision of senior associate attorneys

• Lead and manage complex family law matters from initial strategy through resolution, taking primary responsibility for case direction, client counseling, negotiations, and litigation.
• Handle sophisticated and high-stakes family law litigation , including complex financial, custody, equitable distribution, support, and other contested matters.
• Develop case strategy based on the facts, applicable law, client objectives, and practical considerations, exercising independent judgment throughout the representation.
• Advocate effectively in court , including hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials, while maintaining professionalism and credibility with opposing counsel, clients, and the court.
• Counsel clients through difficult and often highly emotional circumstances, providing clear, practical advice and helping clients make informed decisions.
• Negotiate effectively and creatively, recognizing when a matter is best resolved through settlement and when litigation is necessary.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, discovery, agreements, correspondence, and other legal documents with a high degree of accuracy and strategic purpose.
• Work closely with experienced paralegals and other attorneys to ensure cases are organized, deadlines are met, and clients receive a consistently high level of service.
• Mentor and develop junior attorneys and staff , sharing legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and practical experience.
• Contribute to the continued development of the firm's legal practice, systems, and standards of excellence.
• Stay current on developments in North Carolina family law and incorporate new legal knowledge and effective practices into the representation of clients.
• Represent Marshall & Taylor, PLLC with professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to the firm's reputation for exceptional client service.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a Juris Doctor (J.D. degree) from an accredited law school
• Solid communication skills and problem-solving skills required in order to work with clients, staff members and senior attorneys
• Willingness to learn from senior attorneys to meet our client needs and grow our client base
• Active membership with the American Bar Association (ABA)
• Successful completion of the bar exam

• Substantial experience practicing family law in North Carolina , with significant experience independently managing complex and contested matters.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sophisticated litigation, including preparing cases for and appearing at hearings, depositions, mediations, and trial.
• Strong knowledge of North Carolina family law and the ability to analyze complicated legal and factual issues.
• Excellent legal research, writing, drafting, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Exceptional judgment and the ability to develop and execute thoughtful case strategies with a high degree of independence.
• Strong client-management skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly, establish appropriate expectations, and provide calm, practical guidance during difficult circumstances.
• Ability to manage multiple demanding matters while maintaining high standards of preparation, responsiveness, organization, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals while taking ownership of assigned matters.
• Experience mentoring or developing less-experienced attorneys and staff.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and discretion.
• North Carolina Bar admission in good standing.
• A strong desire to continue growing professionally and to contribute to the development of a leading family law practice.

Preferred: Board certification in Family Law or substantial experience comparable to that level of specialization.

About Company
Compensation, Benefits & Perks

At Marshall & Taylor, we believe great people deserve to be rewarded, supported, and given opportunities to grow. Our benefits include:

• Four Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays – Office closed for all North Carolina state court holidays

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan with Employer Matching

• Competitive Compensation and Bonus Opportunities

• Paid Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Professional Development

• Bar Dues and Professional Membership Fees

• Flexible Scheduling and Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities, where appropriate

• Mentorship, Training, and Career Advancement Opportunities

• Firm-Sponsored Team Events

• Free Parking