Resident/Associate Attorney Spring '27

Modern Family Law•Petaluma, CA

4d•$83,200 - $161,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Modern Family Law is seeking 3L law students and recent graduates who plan to sit for the February 2027 Bar exam to participate in MFL Academy’s Residency Program in its Oakland or San Jose, California offices. The role is hybrid, and applicants must sit for the Bar and plan to reside in the state where they are applying. After the Bar exam, residents receive training in substantive family law and courtroom advocacy, with mentorship from the MFL Learning & Development department and legal teams. The program is designed to help residents transition to an Associate Attorney position after passing the Bar. As an Associate, attorneys have direct client contact and manage family-law matters, including divorce, child custody, and financial support. They can develop litigation skills and serve as first chair early in their careers. Associate attorneys have a 100-hour monthly billable requirement. The firm describes its setting as remote-first, with brick-and-mortar space available and in-person attendance as required by courts and clients. Work-from-anywhere eligibility is available after six months. The Resident salary is $83,200; the Associate Attorney starting base salary is $135,000, with total possible earnings of $161,700. The stated salary range is $83,200–$161,700, subject to adjustment based on experience, location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance with an optional HSA, short- and long-term disability, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), vacation, sick time, and an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary programs include accident, life, disability, long-term care, critical illness and cancer, and pet insurance. Commuter and transit programs may be available in certain markets.

Requirements

Be a 3L law student or recent graduate planning to sit for the February 2027 Bar exam.
Plan to reside in the state where applying and sit for that state's Bar.
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
Register for the February 2027 Bar exam.
Attain a passing score on the MPRE before sitting for the Bar exam.
Timely submit and obtain approval of the State Bar Character & Fitness application.
Submit a cover letter, law school transcript, and responses to the candidate questionnaire.
Thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple responsibilities with attention to detail.
Work as part of a respectful, growth-oriented team and demonstrate eagerness to learn, grow, practice, and incorporate feedback.
Meet the role's expectations with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Family Law Clinics.
Mock Trial experience.

Responsibilities

Participate in post-Bar-exam training in substantive family law and courtroom advocacy.
Develop legal skills with mentorship from the MFL Learning & Development department and legal teams.
Complete training and develop client-conversion skills.
Study proactively, build confidence, ask questions, complete assignments, and prepare to handle client matters from start to finish upon completion of the Residency.
As an Associate Attorney, maintain direct client contact and manage cases involving matters such as divorce, child custody, and financial support.
Develop litigation skills and take on first-chair responsibilities early in the Associate Attorney career.
Manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with attention to detail.
Work collaboratively in a respectful, growth-oriented team environment and incorporate feedback.
Attend in person as required by courts and clients.