Family Law Associate

Family Law Overview

The global Family Law team has been independently rated as a market leader in Tier 1 categories of Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for many years. The department advises on all areas of family law, with a particular focus on the financial issues that arise when relationships are formalized or break down. Much of the work involves the negotiation and settlement of complex financial cases, often with an international perspective and further complicated by tax or trust issues.  Another area of special interest is the resolution of disputes over children, including issues of custody, access, and the problems that may arise when one parent wishes to move to live abroad with the children.  The department has also dealt with custody issues in cases of either severe and/or persistent mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and domestic violence. In addition advice is given to trustees on the ramifications of a family member's marriage, civil partnership or separation. The global team has a very strong pre-nuptials practice, often with international elements.The family law team is supported by in-house experts in other areas of the firm including Private Client & Tax, Trust Litigation, Corporate and Employment.  They provide detailed advice at short notice for clients who are looking for the best location to file proceedings.

The Role

Candidates should have a minimum of 4 to 6 years' experience practicing law in a law firm matrimonial and family law group and should have experience in giving advice on all areas of matrimonial and family law.   

Key Skills and Experience

• Admitted to and in good standing with the New York Bar
• Able to work as an integrated member of the family team, with a goal of strengthening and expanding the reputation of the matrimonial and family law department
• Able to handle contentious and non-contentious matrimonial and family matters for a variety of clients
• Working on issues including divorce, paternity, complex financial disputes, marital agreements, and child custody 
• Experience in all stages of discovery, as well as in litigation, are particularly important (including experience with taking/ defending depositions, motion practice, and trials/ hearings)
• Participate in client meetings and interface with clients
• Participate in development of case strategy
• Be able to independently manage certain aspects of cases, or even whole cases, but with the supervision, guidance, and advice from supervising or senior partners
• Play an active role in client and business development initiatives both internally and externally
• Compensation commensurate with experience ranging from $220,000 to $265,000

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

The firm is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  Equal employment opportunity has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at the firm. Employment at the firm is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  The firm prohibits and will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any of these classifications or characteristics.

If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website to apply for a position, please contact the firm at (203) 789-1320 or email us.recruiting@withersworldwide.com with your request.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.