Resident/Associate Attorney Fall '27

Modern Family Law•Oakland, CA

3d•$83,200 - $161,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Modern Family Law (MFL), a rapidly expanding national family law firm, is hiring 3Ls and recent graduates sitting for the July 2027 Bar exam for its Residency Program in California offices in Oakland, Petaluma, or San Jose. The role is hybrid, and candidates 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, along with mentorship from MFL’s Learning & Development department and legal teams. The program is designed to support a successful transition to an MFL Associate Attorney position upon passing the Bar. Residents are expected to study proactively, build confidence, ask questions, complete assignments, and prepare to handle client matters from start to finish after completing the Residency. As an Associate Attorney, the role includes direct client contact and case management involving divorce, child custody, financial support, and other family law matters. Attorneys have the opportunity to develop litigation skills and serve as first chair early in their careers. The role also offers a low monthly billable-hours requirement of 100 hours, access to technology for caseload and communication management, ongoing learning and development, and transparent advancement tracks and leadership opportunities. The environment is remote-first, with brick-and-mortar space available and in-person attendance as required by courts and clients. 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; actual pay may vary 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 insurance, 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. Work From Anywhere eligibility begins after six months. Candidates and employees are expected to perform assigned duties with or without reasonable accommodations. MFL is committed to diversity and inclusion and considers qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics. Pursuant to the local Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered.

Requirements

Be a 3L or recent graduate sitting for the July 2027 Bar exam.
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
Register for the upcoming July 2027 Bar exam.
Attain a passing score on the MPRE before sitting for the Bar exam.
Timely submit a Character & Fitness application and obtain State Bar approval.
Sit for the Bar and plan to reside in the state where applying.
Submit a cover letter, law school transcript, and responses to the candidate questionnaire.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Family Law Clinics.
Mock Trial experience.

Responsibilities

Participate in training in substantive family law and courtroom advocacy after sitting for the Bar exam.
Develop skills through mentorship from the Learning & Development department and legal teams.
Proactively study, build confidence, ask questions, and complete assignments during the Residency.
Prepare to handle client matters from start to finish upon completion of the Residency.
Manage direct client contact and cases involving divorce, child custody, financial support, and other family law matters as an Associate Attorney.
Develop litigation skills and serve as first chair early in the career.
Complete training and develop skills in client conversion.
Manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Work collaboratively in a respectful, growth-oriented team environment.
Learn, grow, practice, and incorporate feedback.