Entry-Level Associate Attorney - Family Law

Three seasoned, experienced attorneys seek entry-level associate attorney for training and career development at boutique Family Law firm in Palm Springs, California.

Thurman W. Arnold, III, CFLS, AAML and Virginia S. Criste, Esq. each have over 30 years of practice in family law, and Michael C. Peterson, CFLS has over 12 years. We are looking for a self-starting, intelligent, and driven person to welcome into the firm and help it continue to grow in the coming years.

The ideal candidate will have passed the California bar examination (or recently taken it for the first time and have very strong law school grades of 3.2 GPA or better), may have some educational and professional background in Family Law, should have some experience in the legal profession (including an internship, or actual practice in any area of the law for 0 to 3 years total), and must desire a long-term employment relationship for growth into practice of Family Law.

Job responsibilities for the new associate attorney include: interviewing potential clients and identifying litigation issues/developing strategies pertinent to their cases, working with and receiving support from the firm’s legal staff, drafting Judicial Council forms and pleadings for litigation, making law and motion court appearances (primarily in the Indio and Joshua Tree courthouses), and negotiating settlement of divorce cases and drafting settlement agreements. Trial work will become available as experience grows.

Mr. Arnold and Ms. Criste plan to reduce their caseloads at the firm in the next year or two and eventually retire thereafter, and Mr. Peterson will be taking over operation of the firm's day-to-day matters. So now is an excellent time to bring in a new associate to learn from three of the best divorce attorneys in the Coachella Valley, to develop the skills and gain the experience necessary to be a successful Family Law practitioner, and enter into a 'turn key' law firm operation with plenty of new and existing client/work to be done and the support staff necessary to make it all happen.

Necessary skills include general computer proficiency, legal writing, telephone/interpersonal communications, general organization of complex information, and legal research when necessary.

Compensation includes $65,000 annual salary, basic health insurance, and periodic bonuses at the law firm’s discretion. Employment is at-will.

Upon request from Attorney Michael Peterson, lease submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and unofficial copy of law school transcripts. See our website at www.thurmanarnold.com