Divorce & Family Law Associate Attorney

Job Description ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY - DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW - PAOLA, KSPAY: $85,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year + generous bonus system based on productionBENEFITS:401(k) matchingPaid Health insurancePaid time off, sicks days, and vacationPossibility of remote work on Fridays.ABOUT THE ROLEWe are a small, established, successful and highly respected law firm in Paola, Kansas consisting of a managing attorney and a paralegal. We run a fast-paced practice focusing primarily on family law (i.e., divorce, paternity, custody, child support), with additional work in criminal defense, traffic, and estate planning. We are focused on future expansion with the right candidate.We are seeking an experienced attorney who is looking for a more efficient, independent way to practice law—whether you are currently at a larger firm or operating as a solo practitioner.This role is designed for attorneys who are "hands on" and want real case responsibility, courtroom time, and client contact without the bureaucracy of a larger firm or the administrative burden of running a solo practice.This is an in-office position at our office located in Paola, Kansas (about a 30 minute drive south of the Olathe/Overland Park area). This role requires daily on-site work during normal business hours from Monday - Thursday with a possibility of remote work on Fridays.WHO THIS ROLE IS A GOOD FIT FORThis position tends to appeal to attorneys who are currently:Practicing family law in a larger firm and want more autonomy and direct client responsibility.Working as a solo attorney but want to step away from managing the business side of practice.Looking for a smaller firm environment with fewer layers, faster decisions, and more control over their cases and autonomy.WHAT YOU'LL BE DOINGHandling a primarily family law caseload (approximately 90% of your cases) from intake to resolution.Conducting client consultations/intakes.Drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, settlement agreements, and other documents.Appearing in court for hearings, conferences, and trials.Negotiating with opposing counsel and working toward practical case resolution.Keeping clients updated on their cases and maintaining exemplary client contact/communication throughout case.Making independent decisions on strategy and case progression.Focusing on results, not internal process or bureaucracy.Maintaining accurate and contemporaneous billing entries and time records.Prioritizing and managing multiple active cases and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Assisting Managing Partner with his cases as well as any other assigned tasks.WHAT THIS ROLE OFFERSFull ownership of your cases without unnecessary internal layers.A smaller firm environment with fewer administrative barriers.No requirement to generate or manage your own business infrastructure.A practical, production-focused approach to practicing law.Ample courtroom experience.A compensation structure with a base salary, benefits, paid time off, and generous bonus structure tied directly to your work output and result.WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE HEREAttorneys who do well in this role are typically:Experienced in litigation or courtroom work (bonus for having experience practicing family law).Comfortable managing cases independently and with minimal "hand holding".Looking for less bureaucracy and more direct legal work.Strong communicators who can work with a wide range of clients with different personality types and from different socio-economic backgrounds.Reliable, steady, and focused on long-term practice stability.Interested in practicing law, not running a business or navigating firm politics.WHAT THIS ROLE IS NOTThis position is not a good fit for attorneys who:Prefer highly structured or heavily supervised environments.Are primarily focused on firm prestige, title advancement, or hierarchy.Are not comfortable working directly with clients on a daily basis.Prefer to delegate most responsibility rather than owning cases end-to-end.REQUIREMENTS & SKILLS NEEDEDLicensed attorney in Kansas (Missouri license a plus).Minimum 1 year of litigation/courtroom experience is preferred, with strong preference given to candidates who have experience in family law.Comfortable working in high-conflict, fast-paced situations while maintaining clear, rational decision-making and steady client communication.Ability to independently manage a large caseload.Strong communication and professional judgment.Consistent work ethic and reliability.Strong organization skills with the ability to multi-task and use time efficiently.Ability to accept constructive criticism and direction when needed.Possess impeccable character and the utmost integrity.COMPENSATION & BENEFITS$85,000 – $115,000+ base salary depending on experience.Generous performance-based bonus system tied to production.Health insurance paid by employer.401(k) with 3% employer match.Paid time off and holidays.Bar dues and malpractice insurance covered.LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITYWe are a highly successful firm building a stable, long-term practice. For the right attorney, this role offers increased responsibility over time and potential long-term leadership consideration, including partnership track eligibility.LOCATIONPaola, Kansas (approximately 30 minute drive south of Olathe/Overland Park area). Many attorneys in the region commute from nearby areas seeking a more flexible and independent practice environment.HOW TO APPLYAll inquiries and applications are kept strictly confidential.Please submit a resume as well as a brief cover letter describing:Your experience in family law or litigation in general.Your current practice environment and what you are looking to change.What unique skills you possess that you believe would be a benefit to our firm.What you are looking for in a firm and your expectations working for our firm.