Besserman Law

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Besserman Law

Family Law Openings

November 25, 2024

Lawyer

CAREERS AT BESSERMAN LAW

Attorney – Illinois & Missouri Family Law

LAWYER FAMILY LAW OPENINGS POSTED: NOVEMBER 25, 2024 IN PERSON • IL & MO OFFICES

Join a supportive, team-based family law firm handling complex matters across Missouri and Illinois—with strong staff support, consistent caseloads, and a culture that values work-life balance.

Application materials are listed below. A Fluent Form will appear under this section.

Role Snapshot

  • Practice: Family Law (IL & MO)
  • Work Model: In person (main offices in Illinois & Missouri)
  • Casework: Managed from start to finish with support staff
  • Tools: MyCase (case files, performance, communication)

Compensation & Benefits

  • Compensation: Based on experience and ability
  • 401(k): Retirement plan
  • PTO: Paid holidays and PTO
  • Health: 100% paid Employee health insurance

Why This Role

  • Strong team support (supported, not micromanaged)
  • Consistent caseload (focus on practicing law)
  • Client-centered mission with a small-firm feel
  • Room for growth in a long-term career

About Besserman Law

Besserman Law Office, LLC is a small, multi-location family law firm with a supportive, team-based culture. We focus on complex and diverse family law cases in Missouri and Illinois, and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional legal service with a deep sense of care for both clients and staff.

About the Role

We are currently seeking self-motivated and experienced attorneys to join our firm in handling family law matters across Missouri and Illinois. Our attorneys enjoy a strong support staff, a consistent caseload, and the ability to focus fully on practicing law without the pressure of generating new business. This is an opportunity to grow within a firm that values your expertise and promotes work-life balance.

Responsibilities

  • Provide outstanding customer service to all clients, including timely case reviews and reports
  • Proactively manage assigned family law cases from start to finish in Illinois and/or Missouri
  • Utilize MyCase to manage case files, track performance, and ensure timely client communication
  • Respond to client messages and comments in MyCase promptly
  • Review and draft legal documents as necessary throughout each case

Required Qualifications

  • Juris Doctorate from an accredited university
  • Passed the Bar Exam on the first attempt
  • Licensed in Illinois and Missouri or willing to become licensed in both within 6 months
  • Strong legal writing skills and academic credentials
  • Quick to learn and use new technology and software

Preferred Experience

  • Minimum 2 years of litigation experience
  • 1st chair family law trial experience

Application Requirements

SUBMIT VIA FORM BELOW

Please submit the following for consideration:

Resume
Most recent experience and relevant family law work.
Cover letter with salary requirements
Include availability and your compensation expectations.
Proof of Illinois and/or Missouri licenses
Or commitment to dual licensure within 6 months.
Writing sample
Demonstrates your legal writing and clarity.
Location
Work Location: In person – Main offices in Illinois and Missouri
Next Step
Fill out the Form directly under this section on the page.
New LAWYER Application
St. Charles, MO

Paralegal

CAREERS AT BESSERMAN LAW

Paralegal – St. Charles Office

PARALEGAL FAMILY LAW POSTED: (ADD DATE) IN PERSON • ST. CHARLES, MO

We’re hiring a paralegal for a newly created position in our St. Charles, Missouri office—ideal for someone with a family-law background who can work independently, manage complex deadlines, and provide thoughtful support to our attorneys and clients.

Application materials are listed below. A Fluent Form will appear under this section.

Role Snapshot

  • Position: Paralegal (newly created role)
  • Practice: Family Law (Missouri)
  • Work Model: Full-time, in office
  • Schedule: Monday – Friday

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: Competitive, based on experience and ability
  • PTO: Paid holidays + earned PTO
  • 401(k): With employer contribution
  • Health: 100% paid Employee health insurance

Why This Role

  • Close-knit, team-based firm
  • Client-centered work in contested matters
  • High-impact support role with real ownership
  • Stability and growth in a long-term career

About Besserman Law

Besserman Law is a close-knit, multi-location family law firm dedicated to guiding clients through some of the most challenging times of their lives. We focus on listening, providing compassionate support, and delivering skilled legal representation, particularly in contested family law matters. With a strong commitment to keeping legal services accessible and a genuine passion for community, we strive to make a difference inside and outside the courtroom.

About the Role

We are hiring a paralegal for a newly created position in our St. Charles, Missouri office. This role is ideal for someone with a background in family law who can work independently, manage complex deadlines, and provide thoughtful support to our attorneys and clients.

Key Responsibilities

  • Organize pleadings, generate discovery, and assist with trial preparation
  • Draft legal correspondence and documents with accuracy
  • Manage attorneys’ calendars and track civil procedure deadlines
  • Support e-filing and court procedure requirements
  • Provide client-facing support, including discovery and financial affidavit work
  • Maintain strong attention to detail in grammar, punctuation, and proofreading

Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduated from an ABA-certified paralegal program
  • 2+ years of recent family law experience in Missouri
  • Excellent grammar, punctuation, and proofreading skills
  • Strong critical thinking and prioritization abilities
  • Familiar with Apple systems and Microsoft Word
  • Experienced with e-filing and court procedures
  • Team-oriented and able to take direction well

Additional Information

  • Education: Bachelor’s (Preferred)
  • Work Location: In person – St. Charles, MO

How to Apply

SUBMIT VIA FORM BELOW

To be considered for this role, please submit the following for consideration:

Cover letter with available start date
Include the earliest date you can start.
Resume with references and contact information
Most recent experience and relevant family law work.
Employment history
List prior roles and responsibilities relevant to the position.
Salary requirements
Share your expected compensation range.
Work Environment & Schedule
Full-time, in-office position • Monday – Friday
Next Step
Fill out the Form directly under this section on the page.
New PARALEGAL Application
St. Charles, MO & Edwardsville IL 

Legal Secretary

CAREERS AT BESSERMAN LAW

Legal Secretary – St. Charles Office

LEGAL SECRETARY FAMILY LAW POSTED: (ADD DATE) IN PERSON • ST. CHARLES, MO & EDWARDSVILLE, IL

We’re seeking an experienced, personable Legal Secretary to support our St. Charles, MO and Edwardsville, IL offices. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a strong family-law background, and enjoys making meaningful client connections from the very first phone call.

Application materials are listed below. A Fluent Form will appear under this section.

Role Snapshot

  • Position: Legal Secretary
  • Practice: Family Law (MO & IL support)
  • Work Model: Full-time, in office
  • Schedule: Mon–Thu 8:45–5:00 • Fri 8:45–4:00

Compensation & Benefits

  • Pay: Competitive, based on experience and ability
  • PTO: Paid holidays + generous PTO (~5 weeks/year)
  • 401(k): Profit sharing + Roth option (after 1 year)
  • Health: Medical insurance • 100% paid Employee health insurance

Why This Role

  • Front-line client impact from the first call
  • Supportive, collaborative firm culture
  • Fast-paced work with clear ownership
  • Periodic paid team outings during work hours

About Besserman Law

Besserman Law is a close-knit, multi-location family law firm dedicated to guiding clients through some of the most challenging times of their lives. We focus on listening, providing compassionate support, and delivering skilled legal representation, particularly in contested family law matters. With a strong commitment to keeping legal services accessible and a genuine passion for community, we strive to make a difference inside and outside the courtroom.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and personable Legal Secretary to join our St. Charles office and Edwardsville, IL office. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a strong background in family law, and enjoys making meaningful client connections from the very first phone call.

Key Responsibilities

  • Answer and manage phone calls with professionalism and empathy
  • Schedule and confirm consultations and appointments
  • E-file court documents in both Missouri (Casenet) and Illinois (MyCase)
  • Scan, process, and organize legal documents and client files
  • Greet and assist clients in the office
  • Maintain attorneys’ calendars, including court dates and internal deadlines
  • Communicate promptly and clearly with attorneys, paralegals, and clients
  • Ensure timely notification of all updates and document handling

Must-Have Qualifications

  • 3+ years of legal secretary or legal administrative experience (family law preferred)
  • Proficient with Apple/Mac systems
  • Familiar with e-filing in Missouri & Illinois preferred
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Personable and confident—able to encourage potential clients to schedule consultations
  • Experience with Casenet, Microsoft 365, Adobe, and Excel
  • Sales-savvy and client-focused

Bonus Skills

  • Experience with calendaring court deadlines
  • Familiarity with law office software systems and efficient office workflows
  • Familiarity with MyCase eFiling in Illinois

Why Join Us?

At Besserman Law, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a supportive, collaborative family with a shared mission to make a difference. We value initiative, professionalism, and heart. We’re excited to welcome someone who wants to grow with us and contribute meaningfully to the success of our clients and firm.

How to Apply

SUBMIT VIA FORM BELOW

To be considered for this role, please submit the following for consideration:

Cover letter
Include why you’re a fit and what you’re looking for next.
Resume
Include relevant experience, software familiarity, and client-facing work.
Employment history
List prior roles and key responsibilities.
Salary requirements
Share your expected hourly pay within the posted range.
Work Environment & Schedule
Full-time, in-office position
Mon–Thu: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM • Fri: 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM
Work Location
In person – St. Charles, MO 63301 (Required)
Supports St. Charles, MO & Edwardsville, IL offices
Job Details
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 – $28.00 per hour
Next Step
Fill out the Form directly under this section on the page.
New Legal Secretary Application
FAMILY LAW • DIVORCE • CUSTODY • SUPPORT

Family Law FAQs — Organized by State

These frequently asked questions cover common divorce and family law issues in Missouri and Illinois. Each question is clearly labeled by state so updates remain easy to track over time. This page is general educational information and not legal advice.

Laws and outcomes vary. Talk with an attorney to understand options for your specific facts and jurisdiction.

Divorce Basics

Filing, no-fault rules, timing, and separation requirements—labeled by state.

MISSOURI How do I file for divorce in Missouri?
To file for divorce in Missouri, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. Divorce cases are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides.
MISSOURI Is Missouri a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Missouri is a no-fault state. You do not have to prove adultery, abuse, or wrongdoing—only that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
MISSOURI How long does a divorce take in Missouri?
Missouri has a minimum 30-day waiting period, but most divorces take 3–12 months, depending on custody disputes, property issues, and court schedules.
MISSOURI Do I need my spouse’s permission to get divorced?
No. One spouse can file for divorce even if the other objects.
ILLINOIS How do I file for divorce in Illinois?
One spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before filing. Cases are filed in the circuit court of the appropriate county.
ILLINOIS Is Illinois a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Illinois only allows no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences.
ILLINOIS How long does a divorce take in Illinois?
Uncontested divorces can be finalized in as little as a few months, while contested cases often take 9–18 months.
ILLINOIS Do we have to be separated before divorcing?
Illinois law presumes irreconcilable differences if spouses have lived apart for 6 months, but the court's no longer require an affidavit of living separately for any length of time.

Property & Finances

Equitable distribution, the house, retirement accounts, and maintenance/alimony.

MISSOURI Is Missouri a community property state?
No. Missouri follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily 50/50.
MISSOURI What counts as marital property in Missouri?
Generally, assets acquired during the marriage—including income, retirement accounts, and real estate—are marital property, regardless of whose name is on them.
MISSOURI Who gets the house in a Missouri divorce?
There’s no automatic rule. Courts consider factors like financial contributions, custody arrangements, and each spouse’s ability to maintain the home.
MISSOURI Will I have to pay spousal maintenance (alimony)?
Possibly. Missouri courts look at need, ability to pay, length of marriage, and earning capacity. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term.
ILLINOIS Is Illinois a community property state?
No. Illinois follows equitable distribution, not automatic 50/50 division.
ILLINOIS What is considered marital property in Illinois?
Most assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of title.
ILLINOIS How are retirement accounts divided?
Often through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)—errors here can be extremely expensive.
ILLINOIS Will I receive or pay maintenance (alimony)?
Illinois uses statutory guidelines based on income, marriage length, and financial need, though courts may deviate.

Child Custody & Support

Best-interest standards, parenting time, and how support is calculated.

MISSOURI How is child custody decided in Missouri?
Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, considering stability, parental involvement, and the child’s needs.
MISSOURI Does Missouri favor mothers in custody cases?
No. Missouri law is gender-neutral. Courts often favor arrangements that allow frequent and meaningful contact with both parents.
MISSOURI What types of custody exist in Missouri?
  • Legal custody (decision-making)
  • Physical custody (where the child lives)
Both can be joint or sole.
MISSOURI How is child support calculated?
Missouri uses Form 14, which considers income, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses.
ILLINOIS Does Illinois still use the term “custody”?
No. Illinois now uses allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.
ILLINOIS How does Illinois decide parenting time?
Based on the best interests of the child, including stability, cooperation, and each parent’s involvement.
ILLINOIS Can a child choose which parent to live with?
A child’s wishes may be considered, but no child decides custody outright.
ILLINOIS What happens if one parent violates the parenting schedule?
Courts can impose fines, modify parenting time, or hold the parent in contempt.
ILLINOIS How is child support calculated in Illinois?
Illinois may use an income shared model, considering both parents’ income and time with the child based on overnights.
ILLINOIS Does parenting time affect child support?
Yes. Overnights and shared parenting significantly impact calculations.
ILLINOIS Can child support be modified?
Yes, if there’s a substantial change in circumstances (job loss, income change, medical issues).

Special & High-Conflict Issues

Pregnancy, hidden assets, relocation, domestic violence, and enforcement.

MISSOURI Can I get divorced while pregnant in Missouri?
Yes, but courts may delay final custody decisions until after birth.
MISSOURI What if my spouse is hiding assets?
Courts can impose penalties, reopen judgments, and award additional property if concealment is proven.
MISSOURI Can I move out with my children during a divorce?
This can seriously impact custody. Always talk to an attorney before relocating.
MISSOURI Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
Legally no—but mistakes can be costly and irreversible, especially with property and custody.
ILLINOIS What if there is domestic violence?
Illinois courts can issue Orders of Protection immediately and prioritize safety.
ILLINOIS Can I move out of state with my child after divorce?
Relocation may require court approval or parental agreement depending upon the mileage involved.
ILLINOIS What if my spouse won’t cooperate?
Courts can compel disclosure, enforce deadlines, and impose sanctions.
ILLINOIS Do I really need a lawyer if we “agree on everything”?
Many people think they agree—until tax consequences, retirement, or future enforcement becomes an issue.

Want answers specific to your situation?

Get guidance tailored to your facts, goals, and jurisdiction. We’ll help you understand options and next steps.

Facing family or divorce issues?

At Besserman Law, we understand that family and divorce matters can be challenging and emotionally draining. Our experienced team is here to provide you with compassionate, professional legal support every step of the way.
CONTACT US
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website. Legal outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation.
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