Senior Lawyer

The Murphy Law Firm; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 142,500 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Murphy Law Firm is seeking a senior attorney to manage a heavy caseload and zealously represent clients in court. The role requires solid trial experience and mentoring for newer associates, with strong communication and writing skills guiding client outcomes.

Responsibilities include litigation-heavy work, client advocacy, and leadership in operations. Compensation ranges from $142,500 to $180,000 annually, with opportunities to lead complex family-law matters.

Qualifications

• Persuasive writing and verbal communication are essential.
• Must manage time effectively and work independently.
• Prior experience representing clients in trials, mediation, and arbitration.
• J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar admission required in MD/DC.
• Strong negotiation, litigation, and courtroom advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and draft pleadings, briefs, and motions.
• Stay updated on applicable laws at local, state, and federal levels.
• Represent clients in court to argue motions.
• Cousel associates to resolve conflicts.
• Strategize and prepare for trial, mediation, and arbitration.
• Lead and mentor junior attorneys and paralegals.

Skills

Persuasive writing

Verbal communication

Time management

Independent work

Litigation experience

Trial readiness

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Maryland and D.C. bar licenses

Job description

Our growing firm is seeking a well-qualified senior attorney who can handle a heavy caseload, work independently, and zealously represent our clients both in and out of court. To be considered, you should have solid trial experience and be willing to mentor our newer associates. Your excellent communication and writing skills will come in handy as you thoughtfully position our clients toward favorable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and draft pleadings, briefs, and motions
• Stay updated on changing applicable laws and statutes on the local, state, and federal levels
• Represent clients in court to argue motions during legal proceedings
• Counsel associates to resolve or prevent conflicts
• Strategize, prepare for, and attend trial proceedings, mediation, and arbitration
• 80% Litigation, Case Management, and Client Advocacy
• Championing clients in custody, divorce, child support, and protective order matters
• Taking ownership of complex cases from inception through resolution
• Representing clients in court with confidence, precision, and exceptional advocacy
• Developing strategic, tailored litigation plans that protect client interests
• Conducting client meetings and providing clear, compassionate legal counsel
• Managing case files with accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Building and maintaining strong, long-term client relationships
• Approaching sensitive matters, including domestic violence and contested custody, with empathy and professionalism
• 20% Leadership, Mentorship, and Operational Oversight
• Providing mentorship, strategic guidance, and feedback to attorneys and paralegals
• Monitoring and enforcing compliance with KPIs, timekeeping, deadlines, and workflow standards
• Ensuring that billables across your team are current, accurate, and collected
• Supporting a culture of excellence through clarity, professionalism, and accountability
• Collaborating with the Managing Attorney and Operations team to improve processes and drive outcomes
• Contributing to a signature, high-quality client experience at every stage of representation
• Compensation: $142,500 - $180,000 yearly

Qualifications

• Persuasive writing skills and verbal communication skills are critical, along with time management and interpersonal skills
• Able to work independently while handling multiple files
• Prior experience representing clients in trials, mediation, and arbitration
• Bachelor’s degree with a law degree from an accredited law school (such as an LLM, JSD, or J.D. degree)
• Member of state and local bar associations in good standing

Experience Credentials

• 15+ years of Family Law litigation experience, including trial readiness
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active Maryland and D.C. licenses
• Strong negotiation, litigation, and courtroom advocacy skills

Skills & Mindset

• Exceptional written and oral communication
• Leadership instincts rooted in clarity, empathy, and accountability
• Strong time management and strategic legal thinking
• Proven ability to independently manage and advance complex cases
• Professionalism and steadiness under pressure
• Financial and operational awareness, including accurate timekeeping and billing discipline
• A compassionate, client-first mentality

Preferred Experience

• Estate Planning
• Innovative, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving

Compensation

• $142,500-$180,000 per year