Associate Attorney

Job Description: Associate Attorney                                          Location: Orange County, CA
Position Type: Full-Time, In Person                                                Reports To: Founding Partner

Company Overview
Our client is a values-driven family law firm built on a foundation of integrity, empathy, and empowerment. They take a client-centered approach to legal representation, combining deep legal expertise with compassion and a focus on long-term outcomes. Known for their supportive and collaborative environment, they are committed to helping both clients and team members navigate challenges with clarity, confidence, and care.

Role Overview
Our client is seeking a driven, detail-oriented, and experienced Associate Attorney to join their thriving Family Law practice in Orange County, CA. This full-time, in-person role offers a unique opportunity to work alongside a respected Founding Partner and a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional legal services. The Associate Attorney will play an integral role in representing clients in a wide range of family law matters, managing cases from inception through resolution, and contributing to the continued growth and excellence of the firm.

Responsibilities

• Manage family law cases from client intake to final resolution with minimal oversight and/or hearing including all aspects of case from calendaring, strategizing, preparing documents, completion of discovery, negotiation, and court appearances
• Prepare for court hearings and depositions including trials, preparation of subpoenas, hearing binders, and related tasks
• Maintain and manage calendars and dockets, ensuring all deadlines and appearances are properly tracked and met
• Draft and respond to pleadings, motions, declarations, discovery, and correspondence
• Conduct in-depth legal research and apply legal analysis to develop case strategies
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and court personnel
• Provide guidance and direction to paralegals and legal assistants to ensure efficient workflow and document management
• Oversee and assist in e-filing, document production, and organization of case files
• Participate in client consultations and assist with new client onboarding, as needed
• Maintain and enhance the firm's internal document templates and knowledge base
• Attend and contribute to firm-sponsored marketing, community outreach, or networking events
• Participate in the firm’s mandatory weekly non-billable team meeting/lunch
• Exhibit excellent time management skills and demonstrate the ability to maintain consistent billing minimum of 6.5 hours per day
• Required work in office 5 days per week with flexibility to work 2 days at home per week as long as consistent with the firm’s needs
• Collaborate with team members to support a positive and efficient firm culture

Qualifications

• Active member of the California State Bar in good standing
• Minimum 3 years of direct family law experience, including handling contested hearings and discovery
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
• Experience working independently on complex family law matters including custody, support, and property issues
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, and legal research databases (LexisNexis or Westlaw)
• Preferred experience with legal case management software (e.g., Smokeball or similar)
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal communication, professional demeanor, and client service orientation
• Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys and staff in a team-oriented environment
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required
• Ability to lift and transport case materials and boxes up to 50 lbs