Senior Attorney - Family Law

Job description

Exemption Status : Exempt Remote Options/Office Hours : On-Site/Hybrid Classification : Attorney Reports to : Practice Area Manager 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. JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Senior 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. Direct Reports : May supervise Associate Attorneys, paralegals, and support staff as assigned; however, all practice area legal support personnel and attorneys report to the practice area partner. Essential Duties and Responsibilities, including but not limited to : 1. Legal Strategy, Drafting & High-Level Advocacy • 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. 2. Case Strategy, Leadership & Litigation Management • 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. 3. Client Counseling, Relationship Management & Communication • 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. 4. Legal Research, Analysis & Financial Expertise • 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. • Prepare or review guideline support calculations and ensure accuracy of financial representations. • Draft legal memoranda and make strategic recommendations based on comprehensive legal and factual analysis. 5. Courtroom, Trial & Negotiation Work • 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. 6. Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Development • Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to Associates and staff to support skill development and professional growth. • Participate in at least eight (8) professional or business development activities (4 of which can be attendance) annually (beyond mandatory MCLE). • Demonstrate leadership in promoting a positive workplace culture aligned with firm values. 7. Performance & Productivity Requirements • Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements. • Consistent billing realization 95% or higher. • Consistent collections realization of 90% or higher. • Contribute to firm growth through annual origination of at least $500,000 in new business). Knowledge, Experience, and Skill Requirements To perform this job successfully, individuals must be able to satisfactorily perform all essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. 1. 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. 2. Physical Demands & Work Environment • Prolonged periods of sitting, reading, writing, and computer use. • Occasional lifting of files up to 15 pounds. • Occasional travel to court, client meetings, or related proceedings. • Work is performed in a professional office environment and/or remotely as approved. 3. Education & Experience • 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. 4. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Communicates promptly, clearly, and professionally with clients, colleagues, and internal stakeholders, ensuring matters advance efficiently. • Demonstrates advanced legal research, writing, analytical, and strategic problem-solving skills across complex matters. • Exhibits strong professional judgment, reliability, and accountability with respect to work product, deadlines, and case milestones. • Maintains 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. Additional Information : This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. JKZ LLP is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We comply with the ADA and other applicable laws and consider reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities that may be necessary for individuals to perform essential functions.