Family Law & Employment Litigation Associate Attorney

The Halks Firm•Newton, MA

2d•$100,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Halks Firm is a trial-focused litigation practice handling high-stakes matters in high-end family law and plaintiff-side employment litigation. Family law cases include high-asset divorce, business owner and executive divorce, and complex custody disputes. Employment matters include sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims. The firm litigates in the Probate and Family Court, District Court, Superior Court, and U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and also handles appeals in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and, where warranted, the Supreme Judicial Court. The associate will draft, argue, and try cases, appearing in contested matters early with a senior attorney alongside them. The work includes pleadings, discovery, motions, depositions, financial statements, negotiations, and client counseling. Matters may be emotionally charged and call for sound legal judgment, discretion, and empathy with clients. The firm seeks an attorney with strong written and oral communication skills, confidence in motion practice, and comfort appearing in court. The position is suited to a candidate with one to three years of litigation experience in family law, employment litigation, or another contested practice, or equivalent clerkship experience. Federal court practice is not required at hire. Base salary is $100,000–$140,000, depending on litigation experience and practice-area fit, with a billable-hour expectation, a target bonus structure based on collections above billable hours, and an origination commission.

Requirements

J.D. and active Massachusetts licensure, or bar exam pending with expected admission.
One to three years of litigation experience, or equivalent clerkship experience.
Experience in contested litigation.
Experience drafting pleadings, discovery responses, and financial statements.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Confidence in motion practice and willingness to appear in contested matters.
Empathy and discretion when handling clients in emotionally charged matters.
Professional, client-facing demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Federal court practice is not required at hire.

Responsibilities

Draft and handle pleadings, discovery, and discovery responses.
Conduct and manage depositions.
Prepare financial statements.
Draft and argue motions and appear in contested matters.
Negotiate matters and counsel clients.
Try cases.
Draft appellate briefs in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and, where warranted, the Supreme Judicial Court.