Position Title: Family Law Associate
Salary Range: $120,000-$220,000 DOE
A respected family law firm in El Segundo, California, is seeking a Family Law Associate to manage complex matters involving divorce, child custody, and spousal support. This role offers meaningful courtroom exposure, direct client relationships, ownership of an active caseload, and hands-on experience handling discovery, motions, negotiations, and trials.
The ideal candidate is a confident, responsive, and self-motivated attorney who is committed to family law, writes exceptionally well, and can manage sensitive client relationships with professionalism and empathy.
Family Law Associate Responsibilities: - Manage an independent caseload of approximately 20 family law matters once fully ramped up
- Handle cases involving divorce, child custody, spousal support, and other family law issues
- Conduct discovery and manage all related deadlines, documentation, and case strategy
- Draft motions, pleadings, correspondence, and other legal documents
- Appear in court and confidently advocate for clients
- Argue motions and participate as second chair during trials
- Negotiate settlements and work toward practical, client-centered resolutions
- Maintain direct and consistent communication with clients
- Answer client questions clearly, confidently, and compassionately
- Manage sensitive and emotionally complex client relationships
- Take ownership of cases while collaborating with attorneys, paralegals, and firm leadership
- Balance multiple cases, deadlines, and competing priorities
- Meet an annual billable hour goal of 1,600 hours
- Participate in professional organizations, community activities, boards, or committees
Family Law Associate Requirements: - Active California Bar license
- At least two years of legal experience, with four to six years preferred
- At least one year of recent family law experience
- Demonstrated commitment to building a long-term career in family law
- Strong legal research, analytical, and motion-writing skills
- Willingness and genuine desire to make court appearances
- Confidence managing clients and responding to complex or sensitive questions
- Ability to independently manage cases from discovery through resolution
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Friendly, responsive, proactive, and accountable work style
- Polished communication skills and a professional client presence
- Interest in becoming involved in the legal community through boards, committees, or professional organizations
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Experience with Clio and Westlaw preferred
- Candidates with family law clerkship experience who transitioned into another practice area will be considered if they demonstrate a clear commitment to returning to family law
- South Bay residency preferred
Benefits: - Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of employee-only premiums covered after 60 days
- 401(k) with a profit-sharing contribution of approximately 3%-6%, depending on firm performance, after one year
- Discretionary annual bonus based on billable hours, client origination, community involvement, professional goodwill, licenses, and committee or board participation
- Unlimited vacation with prior approval, provided caseload and billable expectations are met
- 10 paid holidays
- Paid parking
- Continuing legal education support
- Flexible daily start time
- Hybrid work opportunity after training
Join a collaborative, positive, and established team where you will gain real ownership of your cases, build substantial courtroom experience, and develop into a trusted family law advocate. If you are ready to take control of your caseload and build a serious career in family law, apply today!
#LI-AM1 #LI-TS1
