Learn Family Law With an Experienced Attorney Beside You
Law school teaches you how to analyze legal problems. It does not fully prepare you to manage a contested divorce, develop case strategy, guide a client through a crisis, or make judgment calls when the facts are difficult.
You will not be handed a stack of files and told to figure it out.
Early-career attorneys are paired with an experienced attorney who works directly with them as they learn to manage cases. That includes observing how experienced lawyers approach strategy, client counseling, drafting, negotiation, and courtroom preparation; seeing the work demonstrated; and receiving coaching and feedback as they begin handling greater responsibility themselves.
The goal is to help you develop sound judgment, practical skills, and confidence through observation, demonstration, supervised experience, and direct coaching.
What You Will Do
You will work on a family law caseload with support from experienced attorneys and legal assistants.
Your work will include:
- Work directly with an assigned experienced attorney
- Observe how cases are evaluated, planned, and managed
- Participate in strategy discussions and client meetings
- Receive demonstrations and coaching on drafting, negotiation, hearings, and trial preparation
- Take on increasing responsibility as your judgment and skills develop
- Review your work and decisions with an experienced attorney rather than being left to learn through avoidable mistakes
- Meeting with clients and helping them understand their legal options
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting pleadings, motions, declarations, and correspondence
- Developing case strategy with supervising attorneys
- Preparing for negotiations, mediations, hearings, and trials
- Appearing in court as your experience and readiness develop
- Communicating consistently with clients
- Learning and using the firm’s case-management systems
- Accepting feedback and applying it to future work
The goal is not to keep you in a permanent supporting role. The goal is to help you develop the judgment and practical skills needed to manage family law cases independently.
What We Are Looking For
Applicants must be active members in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association or eligible for admission before beginning employment.
The strongest candidates will have:
- Zero to three years of legal experience
- A genuine interest in family law and courtroom advocacy
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- The ability to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues
- Professional judgment, personal accountability, and responsiveness
- The emotional maturity to work with clients facing difficult circumstances
- A willingness to accept feedback and use established systems
- The discipline to prepare thoroughly and meet deadlines
- An interest in building a long-term legal career in the Richland and Tri-Cities community
Family law, litigation, judicial-clerkship, clinical, or courtroom experience is useful but not required.
Spanish-language ability is useful but not required.
Compensation and Expectations
The base-salary range for this position is:
$80,000–$100,000 per year
Placement within the range will depend on prior legal experience, demonstrated writing and advocacy skills, relevant family law or litigation experience, and readiness to assume responsibility for client matters.
Attorneys are expected to complete 1,500 credited hours annually. Up to 100 hours of approved pro bono work may count toward that requirement.
Additional performance-based compensation is available for collected attorney revenue attributable to work above 1,500 credited hours annually.
This position also includes:
- Reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses up to $5,000
- A $2,500 retention bonus after six months
- A second $2,500 retention bonus after nine months
- A third $2,500 retention bonus after twelve months
Retention-bonus eligibility requires the attorney to be actively employed and in good standing on each payment date.
Time Away From Work
Attorneys manage their own schedules rather than requesting vacation and holidays in the traditional manner. They may schedule time away as needed, provided client obligations, court deadlines, and the annual credited-hour requirement are met.
Benefits
Benefits include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Payment of Washington State Bar dues
- Prepaid, unlimited continuing legal education through NBI
- Structured mentorship and attorney support
- Partnership-track opportunity
- Opportunities for increased responsibility as experience develops
Why Richland
Richland and the broader Tri-Cities region provide a strong place to begin a legal career. The area offers an active family law practice, meaningful opportunities for courtroom experience, and a professional community where a capable attorney can develop a lasting reputation.
The Tri-Cities also offer access to rivers, trails, wineries, outdoor recreation, and the connected communities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.
For an early-career attorney, this position offers the opportunity to learn from experienced lawyers while doing real work for real clients.
To Apply
Apply through the form on this page or send a résumé, cover letter, and writing sample to: recruiting@pnwfamilylaw.com
In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in family law, why you want to practice in the Tri-Cities, and what you hope to learn during the next stage of your career.