Family Law Attorney Associate

Pinkham & Associates APLC; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

MCLE support

Bar dues reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

Pinkham & Associates APLC seeks an experienced Family Law Attorney to manage a full caseload from intake to resolution, focusing on dissolution, custody, support, and related matters.

You will handle pleadings, discovery, hearings, and trials, collaborate with support staff, and maintain precise timekeeping while delivering compassionate client service in a boutique environment.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar member in good standing.
• Minimum 5 years of recent experience practicing California family law.
• Strong litigation, writing, and research skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and work independently or in a team.
• Compassionate client service in emotionally charged matters.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage caseload of family law matters (dissolution, custody, support, property division).
• Handle pleadings, discovery, motions, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
• Appear at hearings and trials in Orange County and surrounding counties as needed.
• Draft pleadings, declarations, and settlement proposals; communicate with clients clearly.

Skills

California family law

Litigation

Legal writing

Client counseling

Time management

Tools

Odyssey/e-filing

Discovery tools

Local court rules

Job description

About Us

We are a boutique family law firm dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized representation in dissolution, custody, support, and related matters. Our practice is focused on professionalism, integrity, and client-centered advocacy. We offer a collegial environment, reasonable caseloads, and strong support staff.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Family Law Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate has a solid background in California family law, is comfortable handling their own caseload from intake through resolution, and enjoys working closely with clients during difficult transitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload of family law matters, including dissolution, legal separation, paternity, custody/visitation, child and spousal support, and property division.
• Handle all aspects of litigation: pleadings, discovery, law and motion, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
• Appear at hearings, status conferences, settlement conferences, and trials in Orange County and surrounding counties, as needed.
• Draft high-quality pleadings, declarations, settlement proposals, and correspondence.
• Provide clear, compassionate communication and advice to clients, managing expectations and strategy.
• Collaborate with staff (paralegals, legal assistants) to ensure deadlines are met and files are maintained in an orderly fashion.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping and assist with billing-related tasks consistent with firm policies.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Minimum 5 years of recent experience practicing California family law.
• Substantial experience with:
  • Judicial Council forms and local rules (Orange County and Los Angeles, preferred).
  • Discovery (form/special interrogatories, RFAs, RFPs, subpoenas) and evidence issues.
  • Law and motion practice (RFOs, DVROs, contempt, post‑judgment issues).
• Strong courtroom skills and comfort conducting hearings and contested matters.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Professional, empathetic approach to clients dealing with emotionally charged issues.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with complex property division, business valuations, and support guideline software (e.g., DissoMaster or similar).
• Familiarity with Odyssey/e-filing and electronic document management systems (e.g., Dropbox, practice management software).
• Prior experience in a boutique or small firm environment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus potential.
• Benefits package (e.g., health insurance, PTO, MCLE support, bar dues reimbursement – tailor to your firm).
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the firm.