Family Law Associate

We are looking for a Family Law Associate to join a busy practice in Irvine, supporting a steady stream of sophisticated family law matters. This position is ideal for an attorney who wants meaningful courtroom exposure, close mentorship on active cases, and the opportunity to build a strong reputation in family law. The role offers substantial hands-on responsibility across high-asset divorce and custody matters, with flexibility for limited hybrid work while maintaining a strong in-office presence.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a personal docket of approximately 12 to 15 family law matters, handling cases from initial filing through resolution.
• Represent clients in disputes involving divorce, child custody, and marital agreements, including prenuptial and postnuptial matters.
• Prepare, revise, and finalize pleadings, motions, and related filings using firm templates and technology-assisted drafting tools.
• Appear in court for hearings and case proceedings, including independently handling child custody evidentiary hearings when appropriate.
• Support trial preparation and serve as second chair during trial, working closely with senior counsel on litigation strategy and presentation.

Perks of Firm:

· Partner does a lot of MCLEs and writes a lot of articles and publishes a podcast – she is well respected in the family law field. · Your own gorgeous office on 11th floor with big windows. · Firm orders lunch every Friday · Competitive quarterly as opposed to year-end bonuses. “In recent memory, I haven’t NOT given someone a bonus.” - Partner · You make half a million dollars in the next few years! · Congenial group of associates that goes out to happy hour together. The partners cares about maintaining that culture. · AI help: "“We have the best AI software available to software; they can be trained on that. The associate will edit motions drafted by AI, so much know the civil codes well enough to review that.” - Partner

Details of Role:

· Hybrid: One day per week remote to start, with the opportunity to scale up to two after training. · Hours: 140 hours/month is minimum, but the partners are not sticklers about this. 120/month can still get a bonus. Start time is 9am. One hour paid lunch. · Profile that would be a fit: Someone who wants to grow and build a name for themselves in family law, not just collect a paycheck.

• At least 5 years of attorney experience focused on family law in CA, with a strong command of applicable civil codes and court procedures.
• Active CA law license and ability to practice as an attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Confidence appearing in court and advocating effectively in contested family law proceedings.
• Ability to independently handle a child custody evidentiary hearing, including witness examination and application of evidentiary rules.

Pay is contingent upon fluency with the requirements above. The firm also offers comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision, 401K, and PTO ("I’ve never denied PTO.” -Partner).

Ready to learn more? Send your resume to Melanie.Kent[at]roberthalf[dotcom] with "OC Family Law Attorney" as the subject line.