Senior Associate Lawyer

Shulman & Partners LLP; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health, dental, and mental健康

Generous vacation & PTO

Bonus opportunities

LSO & LawPRO coverage

Structured billing targets & modern PM

Job summary

Shulman & Partners LLP in Toronto seeks a Senior Associate Lawyer with 6+ years of family law experience to own a sophisticated file portfolio and contribute to the growth of the team. The role emphasizes leadership, client service excellence, and strategic case development within a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.

You will mentor junior lawyers, drive accountability, and manage high-stakes matters while upholding the firm’s values and standards.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of family law experience with independent file management and complex matters.
• Strong client presence, professionalism, and ability to manage expectations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients, opposing counsel, and courts.
• Mentor and support junior lawyers and clerks while driving high performance.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to contribute to firm growth and reputation.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a complex family law file portfolio including high-net-worth and multi-issue matters.
• Lead strategic case development from intake through resolution or trial, applying Family Law Rules.
• Draft and review court and settlement materials, contracts, and financial disclosures.
• Appear at mediations, arbitrations, motions, conferences, and trials with autonomy.
• Mentor junior associates and law clerks; support firm development initiatives.
• Conduct legal research and apply precedents to support strategy.
• Contribute to client relationship management and retention.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on firm-wide initiatives.
• Model firm values in client service and professional standards.

Skills

Top-tier client service

Written & verbal communication

Leadership mentoring

Strategic case thinking

Attention to detail

Accountability & reliability

Risk assessment

Job description

Shulman & Partners LLP is a high-performing, human-centered family law firm driven by a singular vision: Do Good, Make an Impact. Our mission is simple and meaningful: We are a Human Solution to a Human Problem. We deliver top expertise, skill, and resources in an authentically caring, human, and empathetic way.

We are seeking a Senior Associate Lawyer with 6 or more years of family law experience to join our Toronto office. This role is designed for a practitioner ready to take ownership of a sophisticated file portfolio, step into complex, meaningful work while playing an active role in growing the next generation of talent.

This is an opportunity to build toward partnership within a firm that rewards professional excellence, high standards, and meaningful client impact.

This position requires delivery of exceptional client service, leadership contribution, and alignment with firm values. The ideal candidate is committed to mentoring junior lawyers, driving accountability, continuously mastering their craft, progressing matters strategically, while contributing to a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven Family Law Experience: 6 or more years of family law experience with demonstrated independence and file complexity. Ability to manage sophisticated matters including property division, parenting disputes, support, and high-conflict litigation.
• Client Service Excellence: Strong client presence, professionalism, and the ability to build trust, manage expectations, and advocate effectively in high-stakes situations.
• Strong Written and Verbal Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with clients, opposing counsel, the court, and internal stakeholders.
• Leadership Qualities: Genuine interest in mentoring and supporting junior associates and law clerks while driving high performance and accountability in alignment with firm’s values.
• Entrepreneurial Growth Mindset: Demonstrated ability to contribute to firm growth, client retention, and reputation through a strong professional profile.
• Attention to Detail: High standard for accuracy and thoroughness when reviewing evidence, drafting documents, and managing financial disclosure.
• Sound Judgment and Strategic Thinking: Ability to evaluate complex situations, assess risk, and recommend clear, practical legal solutions.
• Professional Accountability: Strong time management, responsiveness, and reliability in meeting deadlines and progressing matters independently.
• LSO Standing: Licensed and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

What You Will Do

• Independently manage a complex family law file portfolio including high-conflict, high-net-worth, and multi-issue matters.
• Lead strategic case development from intake through resolution or trial while applying deep knowledge of the Family Law Rules and relevant legislation to advance matters strategically.
• Draft and review sophisticated court and settlement materials, domestic contracts, financial disclosure documents, and complex settlement structures.
• Appear at mediations, arbitrations, motions, conferences, and trials with a high degree of autonomy.
• Mentor and support junior associates and law clerks, contributing to the firm's structured development model.
• Conduct legal research, interpret legislation, identify relevant precedent, and apply findings to support strong case strategy.
• Contribute to client relationship management, including referral networks and client retention.
• Collaborate with the managing partner and senior team on complex matters and firm-wide initiatives.
• Model the firm's values in client service, team culture, and professional standards.

What We Offer

• Defined partnership track with transparent evaluation criteria and direct senior leadership visibility.
• Active role in firm growth, brand development and strategic initiatives.
• Extended health, dental, and mental health benefits.
• Generous vacation & PTO policy.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with senior experience, with quarterly and annual bonus opportunities.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement upon successful completion of probation period.
• Coverage for LSO membership fees and LawPRO insurance premiums.
• Structured annual billing targets with clear thresholds and transparent expectations, tracked through a modern practice management system.

Shulman & Partners LLP uses artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, and/or select candidates during the recruitment process for this position. AI tools may be used during interviews for note-taking purposes only. All hiring decisions are made by humans.