Description:

The Opportunity:
This position is for a new lawyer who wants to become a good family law attorney and develop real courtroom skills. We do not expect you to arrive knowing how to manage a case. We do expect you to work hard, ask questions, take feedback seriously, and care about the quality of your work.

You will begin by working alongside experienced attorneys and paralegals. You will attend client meetings, hearings, mediations, and trials. You will research legal issues and draft pleadings, declarations, agreements, discovery, and client correspondence. You will also work on protection orders, misdemeanor criminal matters, and selected civil cases. The misdemeanor practice gives a new lawyer opportunities to prepare witnesses, make arguments, and gain trial experience. As your skills develop, you will take on hearings and greater responsibility for cases with attorney review and support.

A candid word about the work
Family law can be demanding. Clients may be frightened, angry, or exhausted. Their children and financial security may be at issue. The facts are often messy, and the law does not always provide a clean answer.

You need enough empathy to understand what the client is going through and enough professional distance to give candid advice. We are their lawyers, not their counselors. Sometimes the job is telling a client something they do not want to hear because it is the advice that protects their case.

The work is also rewarding. Good family law attorneys give people direction when they are overwhelmed and help them reach an outcome they can live with.

How you will learn

Your written work and client communications will be reviewed closely during your first year.
You will receive direct feedback while the work is still fresh.
You will observe experienced lawyers, do the work under supervision, and take on more responsibility as your judgment develops.
You will have regular check-ins about your work, professional growth, and the support you need.

Who does well here

You like working with clients and understand that returning a worried client's call is part of the legal work.
You are steady and dependable. You keep cases moving through daily follow-through, not last-minute bursts.
You care about clean writing, accurate facts, and work product you are comfortable putting your name on.
You can be firm without being needlessly aggressive, and you treat attorneys and staff with respect.
You ask for help when you need it, share what you learn, and correct mistakes.
You are comfortable with technology and interested in learning responsible uses of AI in legal practice.

Qualifications:

A J.D. from an accredited law school and active admission to the Washington State Bar by the start date.
Zero to two years of legal experience. New graduates and judicial clerks are encouraged to apply. Family law, criminal, or civil litigation experience is helpful but not required.
Clear writing, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail.
The organization to manage deadlines, client updates, tasks, and time entries.
Ability to attend court and client meetings in Snohomish, Island, and King Counties as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary of $85,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.
Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k) plan with an employer match of up to 4%.
Paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
Firm-paid malpractice insurance and support for WSBA dues, CLE, and professional development.