Associate Attorney

Friedman Law Firm; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary 100k-140k

Bonuses (incentive/origination)

Health, dental, vision insurance

Flexible schedule

Vacation 3.5 weeks first year

Paid holidays

401k match

Bar dues paid

Professional development support

Work-life balance

Free parking in Royal Oak

Job summary

The Friedman Law Firm in Royal Oak, MI, seeks an Associate Attorney to manage a mixed docket of family law and criminal defense from intake through resolution. This hands-on role puts you in court regularly and behind the scenes with a collaborative team committed to client advocacy.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of litigation in family law, strong research and writing, and the ability to handle hearings and trials. Hybrid in-person work supported by a growth‑oriented firm.

Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan (or admitted and awaiting swearing-in).
• Minimum of 2–3 years of litigation experience in family law.
• Demonstrated courtroom experience with hearings, motions, and ideally trial work.
• Strong leadership and case management skills.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a mixed caseload of family law and criminal defense matters from intake through resolution.
• Represent clients in family law including divorce, custody, support, and property division.
• Handle criminal matters from arraignment through trial and sentencing.
• Attend bond hearings, pretrial conferences, and evidentiary hearings.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and mediation summaries; maintain client communication.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the Firm and stay current with Michigan law.

Skills

Litigation experience

Courtroom experience

Leadership

Case management

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Writing

Job description

Job Description

We are presently seeking a passionate and experienced Associate Attorney to join our dynamic legal team and handle a mixed caseload of family law and criminal defense matters. This is a hands‑on litigation role for a self‑starter who is ready to manage their own docket, own cases from intake through resolution, and grow with a firm that invests in its people. You will be in court regularly, close to clients during pivotal moments, and supported by a team that communicates and wins together. Candidates with family law experience are encouraged to apply. While prior criminal defense experience is not required, a strong willingness to learn and practice criminal defense is expected.

Responsibilities

Family Law

• Manage multiple cases, deadlines, and client demands.
• Foster collaboration, excellence, and professionalism.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Handle temporary orders hearings, Friend of the Court matters, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Represent clients in complex family law litigation, including divorce, child custody, support, property division, and prenuptial agreements.
• Assist clients navigating domestic violence and personal protection order (PPO) issues.

Criminal Defense

• Represent clients in misdemeanor and felony matters from arraignment through trial and sentencing — including OWI/DUI, drug crimes, firearms offenses, retail fraud, disorderly conduct, sex crimes, violent crimes, and probation violations.
• Handle bond hearings, preliminary examinations, pretrial conferences, and evidentiary/suppression hearings.
• Draft and argue motions, negotiate plea agreements, and prepare cases for trial.
• Assist with expungements under Michigan's Clean Slate law and driver's license restoration matters.

Across the Board

• Manage a full, active caseload independently while meeting all court deadlines and appearances.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support case preparation and strategy.
• Draft and review pleadings, complaints, motions, and mediation summaries.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with clients to provide updates and address concerns.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal professionals across the Firm, and stay current with changes in Michigan statutes and case law.

Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan (or admitted and awaiting swearing-in).
• Minimum of 2–3 years of litigation experience in family law.
• Demonstrated courtroom experience with hearings, motions, and ideally trial work.
• Strong leadership and case management skills.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($100,000 to $140,000 base pay)
• Incentive, origination, and performance bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Three and a half weeks of vacation in the first year
• Paid holidays
• 401k match
• State and local bar association dues paid
• Support for professional development and continuing legal education
• Supportive work environment with a commitment to work-life balance
• Free parking in the heart of Royal Oak

Schedule

• Full time
• Monday-Friday
• Billable hour requirement linked to compensation
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work
• Summer Friday Hours
• Work Location: In Person/Hybrid – Royal Oak

Company Description

The Friedman Law Firm is a client-focused practice dedicated to providing exceptional legal services in family law and criminal defense matters throughout Southeast Michigan. From our office in downtown Royal Oak, we serve clients across Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, Lapeer, Monroe, and Genesee Counties. Our team is committed to advocating for the rights and well‑being of our clients during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

As founder Lowell Friedman puts it: "We strive to provide a practical, skilled, and compassionate legal approach for everyone." We are tough advocates in the courtroom and compassionate counselors to our clients - and we are looki