Description:
Position Overview:We are seeking a thoughtful and motivated Associate Attorney to join our team, with a primary focus on estate planning and additional responsibilities in family law. This role is ideal for a newly licensed attorney who is eager to gain hands-on experience across multiple practice areas and grow in a supportive, collaborative environment. The Associate Attorney will work closely with our lead attorney, other associates, and legal support staff to assist with case management, client communication, legal drafting, and document review.
This position offers opportunities to develop experience in estate planning, assist with family law matters, and provide additional support to our immigration practice as needed.
Responsibilities:
Client Support
- Meet with clients to gather information, discuss legal needs, and explain legal processes in clear, accessible language.
- Provide regular case updates, manage expectations, and ensure clients feel supported throughout their matters.
- Collaborate with bilingual staff or interpreters to ensure full client understanding.
- Draft and review estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and related documents.
- Review client questionnaires and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and consistency with clients' wishes.
- Assist with trust funding, deeds, and other estate planning-related matters.
- Conduct legal research on estate planning and probate matters and stay current on relevant Massachusetts laws and procedures.
- Assist in developing and improving the firm's estate planning practice and internal processes.
- Draft and review family law documents, primarily involving prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, name changes, minor guardianships, and adoptions.
- Prepare petitions, motions, affidavits, agreements, and other necessary court filings.
- Assist with court appearances, hearings, and case preparation in the Probate and Family Court as needed.
- Provide additional drafting, research, and document review support to other family law attorneys.
- Review work prepared by paralegals and legal assistants for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal requirements.
- Provide constructive feedback and guidance to support staff on drafting, filing, and client communication.
- Assist in training staff on new systems, practice updates, and firm policies.
- Support attorneys in immigration matters, including reviewing applications, petitions, and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Assist with routine immigration case preparation, legal research, and document review as needed.
- Review and edit filings across practice areas to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with client goals.
- Manage assigned cases while coordinating with the lead attorney and other associates.
- Track deadlines, hearings, and appointments in firm calendars.
- Contribute to a supportive and collaborative office culture.
Requirements:
- J.D. degree and admission to the Massachusetts Bar, or eligibility for prompt admission (Newly licensed attorneys are encouraged to apply)
- Excellent legal writing, research, and drafting skills.
- Ability to manage multiple cases with strong attention to detail.
- Collaborative mindset with a client-centered approach.
- Willingness to learn and work across multiple practice areas.
- Experience or demonstrated interest in estate planning and family law.
- Familiarity with Massachusetts Probate and Family Court and procedures.
- Familiarity with online court filing systems and case management platforms (DocketWise preferred).
- Bilingual Spanish or Portuguese strongly preferred.
