Senior Lawyer

Overview

A growing New York family law practice is seeking an experienced Senior Family Law Attorney to manage a substantial caseload independently while providing strategic and zealous representation in complex family law matters. This role involves handling litigation, mentoring junior attorneys, and contributing to the firm’s continued growth.

Responsibilities

• Draft legal documents including pleadings, motions, notices, and discovery requests and responses.
• Counsel associates to resolve or prevent conflicts.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal statutes and applicable laws.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, briefs, and motions.
• Prepare for and attend trial proceedings, mediation, and arbitration.
• Serve as the primary attorney contact for assigned clients, providing timely updates and clear guidance.
• Set and manage client expectations regarding process, timing, risk, cost, and outcomes.
• Produce organized, polished, and client-friendly communications and work product.
• Handle emotionally charged communications professionally and empathetically.
• Manage the full lifecycle of family law cases, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, settlement conferences, and trial preparation.
• Draft and review high-quality legal documents with minimal revisions.
• Ensure all filings comply with court rules and deadlines.
• Advocate effectively in court and negotiations.
• Lead strategic negotiation and settlement planning aligned with client priorities.
• Prepare clients thoroughly for mediation and settlement conferences.
• Exercise sound judgment to achieve practical and durable outcomes.
• Oversee legal production pipelines to ensure smooth and efficient case progress.
• Develop and maintain case plans, task lists, and deadline controls.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and escalate risks with proposed solutions.
• Delegate tasks effectively and provide clear direction to team members.
• Lead, mentor, and manage associates, paralegals, and support staff.
• Assign work with clear instructions and review for quality.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellent client service.
• Coordinate with leadership on personnel needs, training, and performance feedback.
• Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping and billing discipline.
• Support financial management of matters including retainer oversight.
• Meet productivity, quality, responsiveness, and client satisfaction goals.
• Participate in consultations and case evaluations to support business development.
• Contribute to the firm’s reputation through professionalism and strong execution.
• Support relationship-building, referral development, and community presence.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Active admission to practice law in New York, in good standing with a clean professional discipline record.
• Minimum of five years of substantial legal experience handling complex family law matters independently.
• Proven ability to manage a demanding caseload with strong organization and attention to detail.
• Significant courtroom and litigation experience with effective representation in contested proceedings.
• Excellent legal writing, verbal communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and case strategy capabilities.
• Confidence, flexibility, and sound professional judgment.
• Leadership mindset with willingness to mentor junior attorneys.
• Patience, compassion, and attentiveness to client needs while focusing on practical legal outcomes.
• Availability for in-person appearances across the firm’s service region in New York, including Albany to Plattsburgh; daily work location may be flexible outside required appearances.
• Completion or willingness to complete advanced training such as Certified Divorce Specialist™, 30 hours of basic mediation training, and 15 hours of interdisciplinary collaborative divorce training.

Technology Proficiency

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Westlaw, Ooma, Google Workspace, and Dropbox.
• Experience with Clio Grow, Clio Manage, and Family Law Software is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $150,000 at plan

Location

• New York State, with in-person appearances required throughout the service region (Albany to Plattsburgh). Flexible daily work location outside of required appearances.