What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Law Attorney position at Westfall Law PLLC?
About Us
We are not your typical law firm—and we are proud of that.
We are a forward-thinking law firm that blends with the strength and experience needed to tackle complex legal challenges with creative analysis. Our team blends legal strategy with a human approach, always keeping the client’s broader picture in focus. At the core of our approach is a commitment to proactive, preventive lawyering —empowering our clients to navigate problems (and ideally) avoid costly issues before they emerge. When challenges do arise, we pivot to fiercely pursue our clients' goals with determination and precision.
Our firm is built on a foundation of integrity, collaboration, and clear communication, ensuring that our clients' needs are always understood and prioritized. By combining cutting-edge legal strategies and technology with a relentless drive for success, we offer a client-centric experience that is as dynamic as it is effective.
Role Summary
Westfall Law is seeking a motivated and empathetic Junior Associate Attorney to join our dynamic team. This is an active, engaging, and people-focused role designed for someone who wants to be "part of the action" rather than hidden behind a desk.
You will work closely with our partners and senior staff to manage a diverse caseload with a primary focus on Family Law. This position is ideal for an attorney who finds purpose in making a client’s most difficult day a little easier and who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced litigation environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Case Advocacy: Manage family law matters from inception through resolution, including divorces, custody disputes, child support issues, adoptions, guardianship proceedings, and DROs
- Court Appearances: Represent clients in Family and Supreme Court for conferences, motions, and hearings/trials. Position is based in Pittsford, but will cover appearances in surrounding area, as required
- High-Level Drafting: Includes pleadings, discovery demands and responses, proving separate property claims, complex motions, subpoenas, trial preparation and post-judgment proceedings and orders, including Qualified Domestic Relations Orders.
- Strategic Discovery: Lead the discovery process, including determining the proper discovery mechanisms necessary to secure critical evidence for complex divorce, custody, and/or child support litigation, prepare applicable discovery pleadings, analyze complex documentation responsive to various discovery requests, identify and work with necessary experts in further support of client's position
- Client Counseling: Serve as a primary legal advisor for clients, providing compassionate guidance and clear communication throughout the legal process.
- Legal Research: Conduct in-depth research on complex issues
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience: 1–5 years of experience in Family Law or General Litigation. (Recent bar passers with a strong interest in Family Law are encouraged to apply).
- Licensure: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the New York State Bar (in good standing).
- Jurisdictional Knowledge: Foundational understanding of the New York State DRL, CPLR, and Family Court Act.
- Technical Proficiency: You are tech-forward and comfortable integrating new digital tools and practice management software into your daily workflow.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional emotional intelligence and the ability to remain calm, professional, empathetic in high-stress situations, and strong oral advocacy skills
- Attention to Detail: A "perfectionist" approach to drafting and court submissions; you take pride in the quality of your written work.
- Cultural Fit: You are curious, engaged, and a natural problem-solver. You bring a sense of focus—and a sense of humor—to the office.
Why Westfall Law?
- Mission-Driven Culture: Join a firm that prioritizes the well-being of its clients and its team members.
- Professional Growth: Receive hands-on mentorship from experienced attorneys and senior staff. You won't just be doing research; you will be in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
- Competitive Benefits: We offer a competitive salary, health benefits, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- The Perks: Enjoy free on-site parking and a dog-friendly workplace that genuinely understands the value of work-life balance.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000 - $135,000