Location
Syracuse, NY | United States
Job description
Associate Attorney (Syracuse, NY Office)
The Colwell Law Group, LLC is a fast-paced, rapidly growing law firm with multiple class-A locations in the Albany, Saratoga, and Syracuse, NY, areas. The firm specializes in helping individuals and families dealing with divorce and child custody disputes lead better lives. Utilizing decades of combined legal experience in negotiating and trying cases helps to ensure that the firm’s clients' best interests are served. The firm’s depth of knowledge of the courts and the law allows it to function as an effective advocate who can help secure the best possible outcome in a wide variety of family law matters.
EEO Statement
The Colwell Law Group, LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This commitment to nondiscrimination extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoffs, and social and recreational programs. We strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment where all individuals are respected and valued for their contributions.
Responsibilities:
At the firm, the Associate Attorney has a diverse range of responsibilities centered around providing legal representation and support to clients navigating familial legal matters. Their duties often involve managing a caseload of cases related to divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and other family law issues.
This includes conducting legal research, drafting various legal documents such as petitions, motions, and settlement agreements, and representing clients in court proceedings, including hearings and trials. Additionally, associate attorneys in this practice area often engage in client counseling, providing guidance and advice on legal rights, responsibilities, and potential outcomes. Associate Attorneys may also participate in negotiation sessions to reach amicable settlements or alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.
- Associate Attorneys at the firm report directly to the Regional Managing Attorney.
- Meet with and report to the Regional Managing Attorney regarding caseload, workflow, and productivity.
- Manage a caseload of family law and divorce cases. This includes conducting legal research, drafting legal documents such as petitions, complaints, motions, and agreements, and maintaining communication with clients regarding case updates and developments.
- Manage the discovery process in family law and divorce cases, which involves gathering and exchanging relevant information and evidence with opposing parties. This may include drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and subpoenas, as well as conducting depositions of witnesses.
- Represent clients in court proceedings related to family law and divorce matters. This involves attending hearings, mediations, and trials to advocate for clients' interests, present evidence, and argue legal positions before judges or arbitrators.
- Provide legal advice and guidance to clients facing family law and divorce issues. They assess clients' situations, explain relevant laws and procedures, and offer strategic recommendations for resolving disputes, negotiating settlements, or pursuing litigation.
- Engage in negotiation with opposing parties or their attorneys to reach settlements outside of court in family law and divorce matters. This involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each party's position, communicating settlement offers and counteroffers, and advocating for favorable terms on behalf of clients to achieve mutually acceptable resolutions.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment at the firm; actively contribute to and mentor a growing team of attorneys, law clerks, and administrative support staff.
- Travel to courts and proceedings throughout central New York State is necessary; some travel to Albany and Saratoga Springs, NY locations may also be required.
- Achieve the billable hour requirement set by the firm.
- Work closely with the billing department to ensure accurate and appropriate billing of clients.
Qualifications:
- Preferred qualifications include 1-3 years of experience in litigating family and matrimonial actions within the New York court system, although this is not mandatory.
- Membership must be in good standing in the New York State Bar; other state bar memberships are a plus.
- Prior experience in a private law firm, corporate, or government setting is desirable but not obligatory.
- Proficiency in managing a variety of sensitive legal matters such as divorce, child abuse, child custody, domestic violence, and matrimonial disputes is essential.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of the New York Family Court Act and Domestic Relations Law.
- Demonstrate the ability to remain meticulous in both fast-paced office and courthouse environments.
- Possess excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and flexibility in managing changing priorities and deadlines are expected.
- Exhibit a positive collaborative attitude.
- Demonstrate commitment, experience, and/or skills to effectively collaborate with a diverse, dynamic team with varying communication and learning styles and levels of experience.
- Proven ability to identify and resolve interpersonal conflicts and support the firm’s efforts in setting and achieving employee goals for professional growth.
- Ability to maintain composure, negotiate, and advocate effectively in court and office settings while managing emotionally charged and high-stress litigation matters.
- Maintain a keen sense of empathy, humility, patience, and professionalism in collaborating with colleagues and clients across diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
About Company:
What We Offer
An outstanding and top-rated law firm that was voted a 2023 Best Place to Work by the Albany Business Review.Competitive salary and incentive plan.401(k) retirement plan with matching.Health, dental, vision/Rx, pet, and life insurance policy options.Paid time off includes personal/sick, vacation, major holidays and summer Friday options.An open-door leadership philosophy centered on fostering a collaborative atmosphere.A positive, supportive, and goal-driven culture.A professional, diverse, inclusive, respectful, and friendly workplace environment.
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