Description:
Sunnen Family Law is seeking an experienced Family Law Associate Attorney to join our growing San Diego practice.This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for an attorney with at least three years of substantive California family law experience who is comfortable independently managing cases, communicating directly with clients and opposing counsel, preparing for and appearing at hearings, and moving matters forward with appropriate attorney oversight.
We are a close-knit and team-focused firm that takes pride in providing high-quality representation while helping clients navigate difficult and often highly personal family law matters. We are looking for an attorney who combines strong legal skills with professionalism, sound judgment, attention to detail, and compassion for our clients.
Requirements:
- Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California
- Minimum 3 years of substantive California family law experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of California family law, including custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence, attorney fees, and related issues
- Strong knowledge of California Family Code, California Rules of Court, and Judicial Council family law procedures
- San Diego Superior Court family law experience strongly preferred
- Experience handling Requests for Order and responsive pleadings
- Experience preparing declarations, points and authorities, briefs, and other substantive family law pleadings
- Experience with discovery and financial disclosures
- Experience preparing for and appearing at contested hearings
- Ability to independently manage a family law caseload
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
- Excellent oral advocacy and negotiation skills
- Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills
- Excellent client-management and communication skills
- Ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced practice
- Professionalism when communicating with clients, opposing counsel, judicial officers, court staff, experts, and other professionals
- Trial experience is strongly preferred
Responsibilities:
The Associate Attorney will work closely with Attorney Sunnen and our experienced legal support team while maintaining meaningful responsibility for assigned matters.
Responsibilities will include:
- Independently managing assigned family law cases from initial consultation through resolution
- Advising clients regarding California family law issues and case strategy
- Drafting and reviewing Requests for Order, responsive pleadings, declarations, ex parte applications, points and authorities, and other court filings
- Handling custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence, and attorney-fee issues
- Conducting and responding to discovery
- Reviewing financial disclosures and complex financial documentation
- Preparing settlement proposals and negotiating resolutions
- Communicating with opposing counsel regarding substantive case issues
- Preparing for and appearing at Family Resolution Conferences, RFO hearings, settlement conferences, evidentiary hearings, and other court proceedings
- Taking and defending depositions when appropriate
- Preparing witnesses and exhibits
- Preparing matters for trial
- Conducting direct and cross-examination
- Working closely with paralegals and support staff to ensure deadlines are met and cases continue moving forward
- Maintaining consistent and professional communication with clients
- Accurately recording and maintaining billable time
- Performing other litigation and case-management responsibilities as needed
Who We're Looking for:
We are looking for an attorney who can take ownership of a case.
The right candidate should be able to review a file, identify the legal and factual issues, develop a strategy, communicate recommendations to the client, delegate appropriate tasks to support staff, and move the matter toward resolution without requiring constant supervision.
At the same time, we value collaboration. Our attorneys and staff work as a team, and we want someone who is comfortable asking questions, discussing strategy, sharing ideas, and helping colleagues when needed.
Family law clients are often experiencing one of the most difficult periods of their lives. We therefore expect our attorneys to be strong advocates while remaining professional, practical, and compassionate.
Technology
Candidates should be comfortable working in a modern, primarily electronic law office, including:
- Microsoft Word and Outlook
- Adobe Acrobat and PDF editing
- Electronic filing and service platforms
- Legal research platforms
- Electronic case-management and calendaring systems
- Windows-based office technology
Compensation:
$150,000–$250,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to independently manage family law matters.
Candidates with significant California family law litigation and trial experience may be considered toward the higher end of the compensation range.
