Associate Family Law Attorney

Job Description: Associate Attorney – Family Law

Location: Triangle Area, NC (Hybrid / In-Person as required)

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $60,000–$70,000 base salary (dependent on experience) + performance-based bonus opportunity

Reports To: Managing Attorney

Why This Role Exists (Mission & Purpose)

Ellis Family Law exists to guide people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives—divorce, custody disputes, financial uncertainty, and family restructuring. Our work is emotionally intense, highly personal, and deeply impactful.

This Associate Attorney role is intentionally designed as a hands-on training position. You will appear in court and advise clients under the direction of the managing attorney and as you become more knowledgeable—while also learning the operational and procedural backbone of family law by supporting paralegal functions early in your tenure.

We believe the strongest family law attorneys understand the entire case lifecycle, not just the courtroom moments. If you want to truly learn family law from the ground up, this role offers uncommon exposure and accelerated growth. If you believe certain tasks are “beneath” you, this role will not be a fit.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Success is measured by competence, growth, and reliability—not title alone.

Strong performance looks like:

• Lead attorneys feel informed, supported and confident in your work
• Clients feel informed, supported, and confident in your guidance
• Cases move forward efficiently because you understand both legal strategy and execution
• Deadlines are met without reminders
• Court appearances are prepared for the assigned attorneys and may involve your appearance and second chairing certain matters
• You demonstrate rapid growth in judgment, organization, and independence

We track performance through case progression, preparation quality, responsiveness, and client experience.

Key Responsibilities (What You’ll Actually Do)

Associate Attorney Functions

• Manage assigned family law matters with supervision
• Advise clients on divorce, custody, support, and related issues per instructions from the assigned attorney
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and settlement documents
• Appear in court for hearings, mediations, and conferences with the assigned attorney, when appropriate
• Participate in case strategy discussions and reviews

Paralegal Support & Learning Functions

• Assist with document filing, service, and deadline tracking
• Support discovery preparation and organization
• Help maintain accurate, organized case files
• Communicate with court staff, opposing counsel, and clients as appropriate
• Learn and follow firm systems for case management and workflow

This dual exposure is intentional and temporary—designed to build strong fundamentals and reduce costly mistakes later.

Required Competencies (What You Must Bring Day One)

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active NC law license or pending admission with a clear timeline
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to learn through doing—not observing
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Professionalism in emotionally charged situations
• Comfort receiving feedback and applying it quickly

Prior family law experience is helpful but not required for the right candidate.

Ideal Candidate Profile (Fit Matters)

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Want real-world family law experience early in your career
• Are humble, curious, and willing to learn the full process
• Value precision, organization, and follow-through
• Care about client experience—not just legal theory
• Want a clear growth path rather than instant autonomy

This role is not a good fit if you:

• Believe support work is “beneath” an attorney
• Want to skip foundational learning steps
• Prefer minimal client contact or operational responsibility
• Are uncomfortable with accountability and structure

Candor is intentional. This role is demanding—and worth it.

Growth Path & Career Development

First 90 Days

• Onboarded into firm systems, procedures, and workflows
• Exposure to both attorney and paralegal functions
• Participation in hearings, mediations, and client meetings

6–12 Months

• Increased autonomy over legal strategy and case management
• Reduced paralegal support responsibilities as competency increases
• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses

Long-Term

• Path to Senior Associate and leadership opportunities
• Continued mentorship and professional development
• Clear expectations tied to advancement—not tenure alone

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $60,000–$70,000 (dependent on experience)
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Paid time off
• Strong paralegal and operational support structure

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cary, NC 27511