Associate Attorney - Family Law

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Draft high-quality pleadings, motions, declarations, discovery requests/responses, and settlement proposals.
• Prepare persuasive declarations, points and authorities, mediation briefs, trial briefs, and other litigation-oriented documents.
• Develop case strategies, factual narratives, timelines, and legal theories to support client objectives.
• Represent clients in court hearings, mediations, depositions, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Manage all aspects of a family law caseload, including disclosures, discovery planning, motion practice, negotiation, and trial preparation.
• Identify key issues related to custody, support, property division, domestic violence, and financial characterization.
• Oversee the work of paralegals and support staff who handle administrative and organizational tasks.
• Ensure all litigation deadlines and procedural requirements are met.
• Advise clients on legal rights, options, strategy, and anticipated outcomes.
• Provide excellent client service by assisting clients in understanding the legal process and preparing for mediation, hearings, and settlement discussions.
• Review financial disclosures, expert reports, parenting plans, and supporting documentation to guide case strategy.
• Maintain strong and frequent communication and build trust with clients during high-conflict or emotionally challenging matters.
• Conduct targeted legal research on family law statutes, case law, and local court procedures.
• Analyze financial information including income, business records, tax returns, and asset/debt profiles.
• Prepare or review child and spousal support guideline calculations.
• Develop legal memoranda and recommendations based on research and case analysis.
• Appear in court for RFOs, evidentiary hearings, status conferences, and trials.
• Participate in settlement negotiations, mediations, and collaborative law processes.
• Argue motions, present evidence, and examine witnesses.
• Draft and negotiate marital settlement agreements, parenting plans, and stipulated orders.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Excellent critical thinking, judgment, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and high-level cognitive functioning.
• Ability to remain composed, strategic, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Strong research, writing and strategic thinking skills.
• Reliability, accountability, and ownership of assigned work.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and modern law firm practice management software.
• Excellent command of English, including grammar, usage, form, and style.