Family Law Attorney Associate

Pinkham & Associates, Orange County Divorce Attorneys, APLC; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinkham & Associates, Orange County Divorce Attorneys, APLC seeks an experienced Family Law Attorney to manage a California caseload from intake to resolution, focusing on dissolution, custody, and support for clients. You will handle hearings, pleadings, discovery, and settlement negotiations in a supportive boutique environment.

You will draft pleadings and declarations, maintain clear client communication, and collaborate with paralegals and staff to meet deadlines and billing requirements.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Minimum 5 years of recent experience practicing California family law.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and client-focused advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload of family law matters from intake through resolution.
• Handle all aspects of litigation: pleadings, discovery, law and motion, settlement, and trial prep.
• Appear at hearings, status conferences, and trials in Orange County and surrounding counties as needed.
• Draft high-quality pleadings, declarations, settlements, and correspondence.
• Provide clear, compassionate client guidance and manage expectations and strategy.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure deadlines and orderly file management.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping and assist with billing per firm policy.

Skills

Litigation

Legal Writing

Client Counseling

Time Management

Tools

Odyssey/e-filing

Dropbox

Practice management software

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