Associate Attorney - Family Law

Job description

The Associate Attorney - Family Law supports Senior Attorneys and Partners in family law practice areas including dissolutions, relationship agreements, custody/visitation issues, support disputes, property division, domestic violence proceedings, and adoptions. The role requires strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, excellent research and writing skills, and the Family Law Attorney must be able to multitask and manage a large caseload while fostering teamwork, collaboration, and a positive firm culture. This role requires a self-starter who is willing and open to learning new skills as well as taking initiative and being proactive. JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Associate Attorneys are expected to model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and to consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard. Essential Duties and Responsibilities, including but not limited to: 1. Legal Drafting & Advocacy • 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. 2. Case Strategy & Litigation Management • 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. 3. Client Counseling & Communication • 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. 4. Legal Research & Financial Analysis • 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. 5. Court & Negotiation Work • 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. 6. Professional Development, Performance & Productivity Requirements • Participate in at least six (6) professional or business development activities annually (beyond required MCLE). • Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements. • Contribute to firm growth through annual origination of at least $250,000 in new business. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform all essential duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and physical and mental abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mental Demands • 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. Physical Demands and Work Environment • For on-site employees: Work in a standard office environment with frequent interaction across multiple departments. • For hybrid employees: Maintain a remote workspace that supports confidentiality and consistent internet connectivity for virtual meetings and system access. • Prolonged periods of sitting, reading, and working at a computer. • Occasional lifting of files or materials up to 15 pounds. • Occasional travel to court, client meetings, or other legal proceedings. • Work is performed in a professional office environment. Education and Experience • Active Member of the State Bar of California. • Experience with LexisNexis or Westlaw, XSpouse, Lawyaw (Clio Draft), and law firm client management software preferred. • One (1) to five (5) years of recent experience as an Associate Attorney in the family law practice area. • Experience attending court hearings or trials preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • 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.