Family Law Associate

Family Law Overview

The global Family Law team has been independently rated as a market leader in Tier 1 categories of Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for many years. The department advises on all areas of family law, with a particular focus on the financial issues that arise when relationships are formalized or break down. Much of the work involves the negotiation and settlement of complex financial cases, often with an international perspective and further complicated by tax or trust issues.

The family law team is supported by in-house experts in other areas of the firm including Private Client & Tax, Trust Litigation, Corporate and Employment. They provide detailed advice at short notice for clients who are looking for the best location to file proceedings.

Another area of special interest is the resolution of disputes over children, including issues of custody, access, and the problems that may arise when one parent wishes to move and/or live abroad with the children. In addition, advice is given to trustees on the ramifications of a family member's marriage or separation. The global team has a very strong pre-nuptials practice, often with international elements.

The Role

This role will sit in our New York office.

Candidates should have a minimum of 3 to 5 years' experience practicing law in a law firm family law group and should have experience in giving advice on all areas of family law.

• Handle both contentious and non-contentious family law matters for a diverse client base;
• Manage divorce cases involving complex financial disputes, property division, and spousal support;
• Draft, review, and negotiate marital agreements, including prenuptial, postnuptial, and cohabitation agreements;
• Represent clients in child custody and visitation matters, including paternity disputes;
• Provide comprehensive advice across all areas of family law;
• Advise on child support, adoption, guardianship, and parental rights issues;
• Navigate international family law matters, including cross-border custody and asset division;
• Prepare and file court pleadings, motions, and other legal documents; and
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on changes in family law legislation and case law.
• Contribute to the team's profile and undertaking business development activities to establish, develop, and maintain long-term relationships; including, writing articles/posts, attending events/conferences and building networks with private wealth contacts/intermediaries including global and peer firms and counsel.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong academic credentials;
• Between 3 - 5 years of experience practicing in a law firm's family law group;
• New York Bar membership (in good standing) required;
• Able to work as an integrated member of the family team, with a goal of strengthening and expanding the reputation of the family department;
• Excellent drafting, writing, research and communication skills;
• Strong project management with an ability to balance a large number of competing priorities;
• In-depth analytical ability and intellectual curiosity;
• Attention to detail; and
• Team Player
• For New York, the expected salary range for this position is between $205,000 and $260,000. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

The Dispute Resolution Practice

Withers has defended the interests of successful individuals, businesses and brands for many years, pursuing matters swiftly and robustly where necessary. With over 180 lawyers across Europe, Asia Pacific, the US and the Caribbean, we have an established international dispute resolution practice acting in complex country-specific and multi-jurisdictional cases, which is well known, among other areas, in the art, sport, fashion, luxury assets and natural resources sectors.

We represent a range of domestic and international clients - from high-net-worth individuals and their families to corporate entities and…