Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

At Brighter Day Law, we believe experienced attorneys should not have to choose between meaningful work, fair compensation, and a sustainable life outside the office.

We have built a firm where preparation replaces guesswork, expectations are clear, and professionalism is steady, not performative.

We offer:

• One of the lowest minimum billing expectations in the market: approximately 1,000 average billable hours per year

• Competitive base compensation with a transparent, performance-based bonus structure

• Clear standards, supported by systems and coaching

• A mission-driven culture focused on long-term outcomes for families

We are open to salaried arrangements, part-time or full-time schedules, and hybrid or remote work after onboarding for attorneys who can reliably attend in-person hearings and trials in Middle Tennessee.

We are seeking a mid-career, Tennessee-licensed attorney with at least three years of litigation experience in family law and/or estate planning and probate. A background concentrated in either area is welcome. So is a background split across both.

You will manage a caseload shaped by your background and the needs of the practice, with the opportunity to grow into a blended caseload over time. Our approach prioritizes thoughtful settlement when possible and thorough preparation for court when necessary.

This role is ideal for an attorney who values structure, sound judgment, and helping clients move forward with clarity rather than conflict. We are especially drawn to people who bring good judgment to ambiguity, who are naturally curious enough to ask thoughtful questions when something is unclear, and who stay steady and keep moving rather than waiting for a perfect answer.

Base compensation ranges from $90,000 to $105,000 annually, depending on experience.

Attorneys also participate in a transparent, performance-based bonus structure. Total annual compensation typically ranges from approximately $97,000 to $127,000+, depending on quarterly collected fee receipts. Bonuses are paid quarterly and calculated from collected fees. We will walk you through the formula and a real example during interviews.

If this description reflects how you want to practice law, we encourage you to apply. Please submit:

• An up-to-date resume

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience in family law, estate planning, and/or probate aligns with this position

• A list of professional references we may contact

• Three writing samples - litigation briefs or other relevant work product (redacted, of course)

We review applications carefully and will contact selected candidates to schedule interviews.

$90,000 - $105,000 yearly

• Manage cases from start to finish: Oversee a caseload of family law and/or estate planning and probate matters, from intake through resolution.

• Client communication: Maintain consistent, professional communication so clients understand their options, timelines, and next steps.

• Client counseling and strategy: Provide sound legal advice grounded in careful review of facts, financial records, and applicable law.

• Settlement and litigation preparation: Pursue reasonable resolution where appropriate, while preparing cases thoroughly for hearing or trial when necessary.

• Court and mediation appearances: Represent clients in mediations, hearings, and trials with preparation and composure.

• Document drafting: Prepare pleadings, agreements, orders, wills, and related documents accurately and on time.

• Case management: Monitor deadlines, maintain organized files, and comply with court and firm requirements.

• Team collaboration: Work closely with support staff to ensure proactive, efficient case management.

• Professional conduct: Demonstrate integrity, steadiness, and sound judgment in all interactions.

• Licensed to practice in Tennessee.

• Mid-career attorney with a minimum of three years of litigation experience in family law and/or estate planning and probate.

• Comfortable operating within a structured, systems-based practice, with good judgment and a steady approach when ambiguity arises.

• Strong organizational and case management skills.

• Professional presence and alignment with firm systems and values.

Brighter Day Law helps families navigate difficult transitions with preparation, integrity, and steady legal guidance across Tennessee and Colorado. We are committed to long-term outcomes that protect what matters most.
Our team operates in a structured, coaching-oriented environment where expectations are clear, feedback is direct and respectful, and performance is recognized and rewarded. We pursue excellence through preparation and refinement, not urgency or burnout.