Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney – Family Law & Alcohol Licensing

Viva Law Firm | Charleston, South Carolina | Remote

Are you an experienced attorney who can confidently manage your own cases but still appreciates having a great team behind you?

Do you believe that being a good attorney means more than knowing the law—it means communicating clearly, solving problems creatively, and helping clients move forward?

Are you someone who takes ownership of your work, meets deadlines without being reminded, and looks for solutions instead of creating unnecessary conflict?

If you answered yes to these questions, you might be the perfect candidate for our Associate Attorney position!

Viva Law Firm is seeking a motivated, experienced Associate Attorney to join our growing team. Our firm focuses on two distinct practice areas: family law and alcohol licensing and compliance. We take a proactive, practical approach to helping clients solve problems, protect what matters, and move forward with confidence.

We're not your typical family law firm. We focus on amicable divorce and custody matters because we believe families, especially children, are better served when disputes are resolved thoughtfully and without unnecessary conflict. That doesn't mean we shy away from litigation. It means we don't create battles where they aren't needed. We work hard to resolve matters efficiently and respectfully, while being fully prepared to advocate for our clients in court when necessary.

Our alcohol law practice is equally unique. We help South Carolina businesses obtain, maintain, and protect their alcohol licenses. From navigating complex licensing requirements to defending businesses against alleged violations, we help clients protect their ability to operate and succeed.

We're looking for an attorney who can independently manage family law matters from beginning to end while developing experience in South Carolina alcohol law. Initially, the alcohol law portion of the position will focus primarily on defending alcohol license holders in administrative enforcement proceedings and related litigation , with opportunities to learn more complex licensing and compliance matters under the supervision of our managing attorney.

Here are the key characteristics we're looking for:

Independent Problem Solver: You have the experience and confidence to manage cases without constant supervision. You know when to make a decision, when to ask questions, and how to find practical solutions that move matters forward.

Amicable Advocate: You understand that being an effective family law attorney doesn't mean turning every disagreement into a battle. You can advocate firmly for your clients while maintaining professionalism, encouraging reasonable resolutions, and avoiding unnecessary conflict and expense. But when litigation is necessary, you're ready to fight for your client's interests.

Confident Litigator: You're comfortable in a courtroom, know how to prepare a case, and can think on your feet. You enjoy analyzing legal issues, developing arguments, negotiating resolutions, and advocating for your clients in contested proceedings.

Deadline Ninja: Managing multiple cases, court appearances, and client expectations doesn't overwhelm you. You stay ahead of deadlines, anticipate what needs to happen next, and take ownership of keeping your cases moving.

Detail-Oriented: Whether you're drafting a settlement agreement, preparing for a hearing, or analyzing an alleged alcohol license violation, you understand that the details matter. You take pride in producing accurate, thoughtful, and thorough work.

Communication Pro: You understand that clients hire us not just for legal knowledge, but also for guidance and peace of mind. You communicate clearly, respond promptly, manage expectations, and make clients feel confident that their matters are being handled.

Team Player: You're comfortable working independently, but you don't operate on an island. You collaborate with our legal support team, share knowledge, and contribute to improving the way our firm operates.

Responsibilities

Family Law

• Independently manage family law matters from initial consultation through final resolution, including divorce, custody, support, and related matters.
• Develop case strategies, provide legal advice, and guide clients through the legal process.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, settlement agreements, parenting plans, and other legal documents.
• Negotiate with opposing counsel to achieve practical, favorable resolutions without unnecessary litigation.
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, and trials as necessary.
• Recognize opportunities for amicable resolution while remaining prepared to litigate when appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and proactively update them on case progress.
• Manage deadlines, case preparation, and all aspects of assigned matters.
• Work collaboratively with legal assistants to ensure cases move forward efficiently.

Alcohol Licensing, Enforcement Defense & Litigation

• Represent South Carolina businesses in alcohol license enforcement matters, initially under the supervision of the firm's managing attorney.
• Assist with defending license holders against alleged violations of South Carolina alcohol laws and regulations.
• Investigate alleged violations, review evidence, evaluate potential defenses, and develop litigation strategies.
• Research and analyze applicable statutes, regulations, administrative decisions, and case law.
• Draft responses to administrative enforcement actions, motions, legal memoranda, settlement proposals, and other litigation documents.
• Negotiate with regulatory agencies and opposing counsel to resolve enforcement matters when appropriate.
• Prepare for and participate in contested administrative hearings, including proceedings before the South Carolina Administrative Law Court.
• Assist with related appeals and other litigation involving alcohol licenses.
• Work with clients to understand their business operations, evaluate compliance concerns, and identify practical solutions.
• Under the managing attorney's supervision, gradually develop experience with complex alcohol license applications, licensing qualifications, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Assume greater responsibility for alcohol licensing and compliance matters as knowledge and experience develop.

Firm Operations & Client Service

• Maintain accurate and timely billing records.
• Ensure case management systems and client files are current and organized.
• Collaborate with the team to improve firm policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Deliver responsive, professional, and compassionate client service.
• Take ownership of assigned matters while contributing to the firm's overall success.
  

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing law, including at least 3 years of family law experience.
• Active license to practice law in South Carolina, in good standing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently handle family law cases from start to finish.
• Experience with family court hearings, negotiations, discovery, and settlement agreements.
• Strong litigation skills, including case preparation, legal analysis, and courtroom advocacy.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines without constant oversight.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to client communication.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while remaining accessible and responsive to clients and team members.
• Tech savviness and proficiency with Office 365 and legal practice management software.
• Willingness to learn South Carolina alcohol licensing and compliance law.

Preferences

• Criminal law experience is a plus , particularly criminal defense, courtroom, and trial experience.
• Experience with administrative hearings, regulatory enforcement, or other contested proceedings.
• Experience handling contested family law matters while maintaining a resolution-focused approach.
• Familiarity with administrative law or regulatory compliance.
• Experience with legal practice management software.
• Experience in or familiarity with the food and beverage or hospitality industry? Even better!
  

Job Details

• Remote position. The attorney may work remotely, except when in-person client meetings, court appearances, or other professional obligations require attendance.
• Our Charleston-area office is available for use as often as the attorney would like. You are welcome to work from the office regularly, occasionally, or primarily from home.
• Full-time or part-time position to start. Part-time candidates must work a minimum of 25 hours per week.
• The position will transition to full-time no later than Spring 2027.
• Salary will be based on experience and qualifications.
• Must be available for court appearances and other proceedings in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, with occasional travel elsewhere in South Carolina as needed.
• Opportunity to develop experience in a unique and growing alcohol licensing, compliance, and litigation practice.
• Supportive, collaborative team environment that values efficiency, professionalism, and practical problem-solving.
  

How to Apply

If you're an experienced attorney who enjoys helping clients, takes pride in managing cases independently, and believes there's a better way to practice law, we'd love to hear from you!

Send a professional but friendly email to explaining why you're interested in the position, what makes you a great fit for our firm, and why our approach to practicing law appeals to you.

Please attach your resume and provide at least three references, two of which must be professional references.

We look forward to hearing from you!