Job Description

WhitsonLaw is growing, and we are seeking an experienced Family Law Associate Attorney who understands that effective advocacy is demonstrated through careful listening, sound judgment, strategic preparation, and the ability to identify and protect what matters most to the client. Our practice emphasizes mediation, collaborative law, and other constructive approaches to resolving family disputes. We recognize that how a family-law matter is handled can affect clients and their families long after the legal proceeding has ended—particularly when children, continuing family relationships, financial security, or personal safety are involved. We work skillfully to achieve informed, practical, and durable resolutions without escalating conflict unnecessarily. That resolution-focused approach is neither passive nor compromising. It requires command of the facts and the law, thoughtful case strategy, creative problem-solving, and the ability to negotiate from a position of strength. It also requires the judgment to recognize when cooperative resolution is no longer appropriate and the skill to advocate decisively in court when litigation is necessary. We are not simply looking for an attorney who can process cases. We are looking for a composed and capable advocate who shares this philosophy, takes meaningful ownership of client matters, and can guide people through some of life’s most difficult transitions with clarity, candor, and confidence. Responsibilities: Assumes meaningful ownership of assigned matters from initial assessment through final resolution, ensuring that each matter is handled competently, strategically, and efficiently Develops a clear case strategy grounded in the client’s objectives, the governing law, the available evidence, and the practical realities of the matter Identifies opportunities for mediation, collaborative resolution, and negotiated settlement while remaining prepared to pursue litigation when necessary to protect the client Conducts focused legal research and analyzes discovery, financial information, and other evidence to identify the issues that will materially affect strategy and outcome Produces clear, accurate, and persuasive memoranda, pleadings, motions, discovery materials, settlement agreements, orders, judgments, and client communications Establishes meaningful goals, deadlines, and decision points for each matter and consistently advances the case toward resolution Prepares thoroughly for negotiations, mediation sessions, collaborative proceedings, conferences, hearings, and trials Provides paralegals and legal assistants with clear assignments, appropriate context, and realistic deadlines, and remains accountable for reviewing and advancing delegated work Maintains consistent, substantive communication with clients so they understand the status of their matter, the available options, the associated risks, and the decisions required of them Delivers difficult advice with candor and compassion, helping clients make informed decisions rather than simply reinforcing positions that may not serve their long-term interests Maintains complete and reliable case records, including substantive status updates, strategic decisions, client communications, and final disposition documentation Records all billable and administrative time contemporaneously, accurately, and with sufficient detail to reflect the value and purpose of the work performed Contributes to the strength of the team by sharing knowledge, developing solutions collaboratively, and providing thoughtful guidance and mentorship to support staff Earns and maintains the confidence of clients, referral sources, colleagues, opposing counsel, and the court through sound judgment, professional integrity, respectful advocacy, and consistently high-quality work Qualifications: Admitted to practice law in New York and currently in good standing with the New York State Bar At least 2 years of substantive family law experience in a law firm or comparable legal practice setting Strong courtroom advocacy skills and working knowledge of applicable New York family law statutes, procedural requirements, local court rules, and judicial practices Criminal law, domestic violence, child protection, or other relevant litigation experience will receive additional consideration Ability to communicate complex legal and financial issues clearly, candidly, and compassionately to clients Experience handling divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and the identification, valuation, and equitable distribution of marital property Demonstrated ability to assume meaningful responsibility for legal matters from initial consultation through negotiated resolution, mediation, hearing, or trial Experience preparing for and participating in mediation, settlement conferences, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution Familiarity with collaborative law, collaborative practice training, or a demonstrated interest in developing collaborative law expertise Strong legal research, analysis, and drafting skills, including experience preparing pleadings, motions, discovery demands and responses, settlement agreements, orders, judgments, and substantive client communications Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills, including the ability to remain composed, strategic, and persuasive in highly emotional or adversarial circumstances Sound judgment regarding when to pursue constructive resolution and when litigation is necessary to protect a client’s rights, safety, financial security, or relationship with their children Demonstrated ability to manage deadlines, competing priorities, and a substantive caseload while maintaining consistent client communication and case progression Ability to direct and collaborate effectively with paralegals, legal assistants, financial professionals, mental health professionals, parenting specialists, and other participants in the family law process High standards of professional ethics, discretion, accountability, and respect for clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, and the court Mediation certification, formal collaborative law training, or active participation in relevant state, local, or national bar-association sections is preferred Compensation: $130,000+ at plan

• Assumes meaningful ownership of assigned matters from initial assessment through final resolution, ensuring that each matter is handled competently, strategically, and efficiently • Develops a clear case strategy grounded in the client’s objectives, the governing law, the available evidence, and the practical realities of the matter • Identifies opportunities for mediation, collaborative resolution, and negotiated settlement while remaining prepared to pursue litigation when necessary to protect the client • Conducts focused legal research and analyzes discovery, financial information, and other evidence to identify the issues that will materially affect strategy and outcome • Produces clear, accurate, and persuasive memoranda, pleadings, motions, discovery materials, settlement agreements, orders, judgments, and client communications • Establishes meaningful goals, deadlines, and decision points for each matter and consistently advances the case toward resolution • Prepares thoroughly for negotiations, mediation sessions, collaborative proceedings, conferences, hearings, and trials • Provides paralegals and legal assistants with clear assignments, appropriate context, and realistic deadlines, and remains accountable for reviewing and advancing delegated work • Maintains consistent, substantive communication with clients so they understand the status of their matter, the available options, the associated risks, and the decisions required of them • Delivers difficult advice with candor and compassion, helping clients make informed decisions rather than simply reinforcing positions that may not serve their long-term interests • Maintains complete and reliable case records, including substantive status updates, strategic decisions, client communications, and final disposition documentation • Records all billable and administrative time contemporaneously, accurately, and with sufficient detail to reflect the value and purpose of the work performed • Contributes to the strength of the team by sharing knowledge, developing solutions collaboratively, and providing thoughtful guidance and mentorship to support staff • Earns and maintains the confidence of clients, referral sources, colleagues, opposing counsel, and the court through sound judgment, professional integrity, respectful advocacy, and consistently high-quality work

Compensation:
$130,000 per year

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