Entrylevel Family Law Attorney Jobs in Rochester, NY

Provide legal counsel and representation in matrimonial and family law proceedings, including all stages of litigation
Draft, review, and file petitions, pleadings, motions, orders, notices of appeal, memoranda of law, orders to show cause, emergency actions, and other legal documents
Conduct in-person client interviews and gather relevant facts for case development
Conduct discovery, investigations, and legal research for case preparation
Represent clients at court appearances, hearings, conferences, and related proceedings in Family Court and Supreme Court
Consult and negotiate with opposing counsel and other parties to achieve favorable client outcomes
Represent clients in post-dispositional proceedings, including preparation of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders and other post-judgment appearances
Conduct safety planning with domestic violence survivors and provide appropriate referrals
Collaborate with and review the work of assigned support staff as needed
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of client contacts and case activity in LegalServer or other case management systems
Stay current on legislative changes, case law, and best practices; participate in continuing legal education training
Participate in community outreach, education, and training related to family law and domestic violence services
Provide information about legal rights, domestic violence resources, and agency services to community partners and stakeholders
Travel across multiple counties to represent clients and attend court proceedings or related meetings
Participate in office-wide functions, including staff meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives
Provide legal support to other programs within the organization as needed
Provide ex-parte legal advice in Monroe County Family Court in collaboration with the Willow Court Advocacy Program

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) required
• Admission to the New York State Bar required; candidates who have received their JD and qualify for a judicial practice order may also be considered
• Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience with case management systems preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other online meeting platforms
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Strong negotiating and litigation skills with the ability to advocate effectively in court
• High level of initiative, independence, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully, empathetically, and with a trauma-informed lens
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, court personnel, and community partners
• Commitment to social justice and passion for serving underprivileged communities
• Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel across multiple counties
• Ability to meet the physical and communication demands of the role

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in matrimonial and family law, including litigation, legal research, and client representation. Proficient in drafting legal documents and managing high-volume caseloads while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with clients and community partners.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• New York State Bar Admission
• Legal Research and Writing
• Negotiating and Litigation Skills
• Case Management Systems

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Legal Counsel
• Litigation
• Drafting Legal Documents
• Client Representation
• Discovery and Investigations
• Legal Research
• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
• Safety Planning
• High-Volume Caseload Management
• Trauma-Informed Approach

Soft Skills

• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Empathy
• Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• New York State Bar Admission

Industry Keywords

• Family Law
• Matrimonial Law
• Domestic Violence
• Community Outreach
• Social Justice

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom
• LegalServer