Senior Attorney - Family Law
Summary Of Position
The Senior Attorney – Family Law plays a key leadership role within the firm, handling complex family law matters and providing guidance, mentorship, and strategic oversight to Associates and support staff. This position requires advanced litigation and negotiation skills, strong judgment, and the ability to independently manage high-value, multi-issue cases involving dissolutions, relationship agreements, custody and visitation disputes, support matters, property division, domestic violence proceedings, and adoptions. This role requires a high level of autonomy, initiative, and the ability to mentor junior attorneys and paralegals while fostering a collaborative and positive firm culture.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities, Including But Not Limited To
Draft and review sophisticated pleadings, motions, declarations, discovery, and settlement proposals.
Prepare compelling litigation materials including points and authorities, mediation and trial briefs, and evidentiary submissions.
Develop and execute complex case strategies, factual narratives, and legal theories aligned with client objectives.
Represent clients in high-stakes court hearings, mediations, depositions, settlement conferences, and trials.
Provide strategic oversight and quality control on submissions prepared by Associates or support staff.
Independently manage a robust and often complex family law caseload from inception through resolution.
Identify advanced legal and factual issues relating to custody, support, property characterization/division, domestic violence, and financial analysis.
Supervise and mentor Associates, paralegals, and administrative staff, providing feedback and guidance to ensure high-quality work product.
Ensure compliance with litigation deadlines, procedural rules, and firm standards.
Resolve case obstacles and make strategic decisions with minimal oversight.
Identify and maintain third party experts to advance case resolution.
Provide sophisticated counsel to clients regarding legal rights, strategy, risk assessment, and likely outcomes.
Deliver exceptional client service, including preparing clients for mediation, hearings, depositions, and trial.
Review complex financial disclosures, expert reports, custody evaluations, business valuations, and related documentation.
Maintain consistent, proactive communication with clients to build trust and manage expectations during high-conflict or emotionally sensitive matters.
Handle challenging personalities and high-pressure situations with professionalism and empathy.
Handle certain billing inquiries and behaviors; and establish case budgets for clients with partner oversight.
Conduct and supervise targeted legal research on statutes, case law, and local rules relevant to family law litigation.
Analyze complex financial data, including business income, tax returns, tracing analyses, and asset/debt characterization.
Draft legal memoranda and make strategic recommendations based on comprehensive legal and factual analysis.
Appear as lead counsel in court for RFOs, evidentiary hearings, status conferences, trials, and post-judgment matters.
Lead settlement negotiations, mediations, and collaborative law processes.
Argue motions, present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and advise clients throughout litigation.
Draft, negotiate, and finalize marital settlement agreements, parenting plans, stipulated orders, and final judgments.
Participate in at least eight (8) professional or business development activities (4 of which can be attendance) annually (beyond mandatory MCLE).
Participate in professional or business development activities beyond mandatory MCLE.
Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to Associates and staff to support skill development and professional growth.
Model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions.
Contribute to firm growth through annual origination of at least $500,000 in new business.
Knowledge, Experience, And Skill Requirements
Active Member of the State Bar of California.
Minimum 5–10 years recent experience in family law, with substantial litigation and courtroom involvement.
Preferably holds an advanced law degree, specialization, or approved certification in practice area.
Experience with tools such as LexisNexis/Westlaw, XSpouse, and Lawyaw (Clio Draft) preferred.
Proven experience handling complex and high-asset family law matters.
Prior experience supervising or mentoring Associate Attorneys preferred.
Advanced legal research, writing, analytical, and strategic problem-solving skills across complex matters.
Professional judgment, reliability, and accountability with respect to work product, deadlines, and case milestones.
Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive client information and confidential firm matters.
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and modern law firm practice management software.
Excellent command of English, including grammar, usage, form, and style.