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Practice Law in Paradise Join The Virga Law Firm Stop the grind. Start living. Practice family law in Northwest Florida where your salary goes further, your hours are humane, and you could be home by 1pm on some Fridays.

The Real Numbers

We're not playing games with "competitive compensation." Here's what we actually pay, what you actually get off, and what your life actually looks like.

 

FactorVirga Law Firm (Panama City Beach)Typical Miami/Tampa Firm
Salary (Mid-Level Attorney)$120,000$120,000
Average Home Price$350,000$650,000 - $850,000
Typical Mortgage Payment$2,200/month$4,500 - $5,500/month
Average Work Week40-50 hours60-80 hours
Commute Time10-15 minutes45-90 minutes
Time Off30+ days + Half Fridays10-15 days
Actual Quality of LifeYou can afford a house, see your family, go to the beach, or relax at the springsYou're stressed, broke after bills, and rarely home

Open Positions

Panama City Beach | Fort Walton Beach | Pensacola
  • Senior Family Law Attorney $130,000 - $170,000 + $5,000 Signing Bonus Experience Required: 7+ years family law

    Compensation Package:

    • Base salary $130K-$170K (based on experience)
    • $5,000 signing bonus (paid after 180 days of successful employment)
    • Clear criteria for bonus-based performance
    • 80 hours vacation + 80 hours sick/personal
    • All courthouse holidays off
    • Half-day Fridays when KPIs met
    • All CLE costs covered (courses, conferences, materials)
    • Guaranteed caseload - no headaches or running a business on hunting for cases
    • Full benefits package

    What We Need:

    • Strong litigation background
    • Proven track record in family law
    • Florida Bar in good standing
    • Ready to mentor junior attorneys

    This is for experienced attorneys who want to practice law again instead of grinding 70-hour weeks and missing their family's lives.

  • Mid-Level Family Law Attorney $110,000 - $140,000 Total Compensation + $3,500 Signing Bonus Experience Required: 3-7 years family law

    Choose Your Compensation Package:

    Base Salary: $100,000 - $130,000

    PLUS select ONE benefit option ($10K-$12K annual value):

    • Option A: $10,000/year stipend for health insurance
    • Option B: $15,000/year relocation & housing assistance (for 2 years to ease your transition)
    • Option C: $10,000 year stipend for student loans

    Why we offer choices: Everyone's financial situation is different. Drowning in student loans? Take Option A. Moving from another city? Option B helps with your transition. Want cash flexibility? Option C puts it in your paycheck.

    Additional Benefits:

    • $3,500 signing bonus (paid after 180 days)
    • 80 hours vacation + 80 hours sick/personal
    • Courthouse holidays
    • Half-day Fridays when KPIs met
    • All CLE costs covered (courses, conferences, materials)
    • Practice law in paradise
    • Community-driven and involved
    • Latest legal software
    • Holiday celebrations
    • Guaranteed caseload - no hunting for clients
    • Clear path to senior attorney
    • Supplemental Insurance
    • Positive work culture that includes celebrations and use of employee acknowledgement system “Bonusly” in which gift cards, etc., are earned

    What We Need:

    • 3-7 years family law experience
    • Litigation experience preferred
    • Florida Bar in good standing
    • Self-starter who doesn't need hand-holding

    This is for attorneys ready to leave the rat race but still build their career and earn excellent money.

  • Associate Family Law Attorney $90,000 - $115,000 Total Compensation + $2,500 Signing Bonus Experience Required: 0-3 years

    Choose Your Compensation Package:

    Base Salary: $80,000 - $105,000

    PLUS select ONE benefit option:

    • Option A: $10,000/year student loan stipend
    • Option B: $15,000 for 3 years housing stipend
    • Option C: $10,000 year stipend for insurance

    Why we offer choices: We know starting your career is expensive. Pick the option that helps you most, crushing law school debt, affording the move to a new city, or maximizing your take-home pay.

    Additional Benefits:

    • Positive work culture
    • $2,500 signing bonus (paid after 180 days)
    • 80 hours vacation + 80 hours sick/personal
    • Courthouse holidays
    • Half-day Fridays when KPIs met
    • All CLE costs covered (courses, conferences, materials)
    • Mentorship from experienced litigators
    • Hands-on trial experience (real courtroom work)
    • Supplemental insurance

    What We Need:

    • Florida Bar admission (or eligible to waive in)
    • Interest in family law litigation
    • Strong work ethic and eagerness to learn
    • Actual desire to be in court, not at a desk

    Start your career without drowning in debt or working 80-hour weeks. Get real trial experience, not endless document review.

Paralegal & Staff Positions

  • Senior Family Law Paralegal $50,000 - $65,000 + $2,500 Signing Bonus

    What You Get:

    • $50K-$65K base salary
    • $2,500 signing bonus (paid after 180 days of successful employment)
    • 80 hours vacation + 80 hours sick/personal,
    • Courthouse holidays
    • Half-day Fridays when KPIs met
    • All CLE costs covered (courses, conferences, materials)
    • Florida Registered Paralegal certification support & exam fees
    • Professional association memberships paid
    • Supplemental insurance
    • Relocation assistance available

    Experience:

    • 5+ years family law paralegal experience
    • Florida Registered Paralegal preferred (or willing to obtain)
    • Strong case management skills
    • Experience with e-filing and court procedures
  • Family Law Paralegal $40,000 - $50,000 + $2,000 Signing Bonus

    What You Get:

    • $40K-$50K base salary
    • $2,000 signing bonus (paid after 180 days of successful employment)
    • Relocation assistance available
    • 80 hours vacation + 80 hours sick/personal
    • Courthouse holidays
    • Half-day Fridays when KPIs met
    • All CLE costs covered (courses, conferences, materials)
    • Full support to become Florida Registered Paralegal (exam fees, study materials, prep courses paid)
    • Professional development budget
    • Supplemental insurance

    Experience:

    • 2-5 years paralegal experience
    • Family law background preferred
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Eager to grow and obtain FRP certification

    We invest in your professional development. If you want to become a Florida Registered Paralegal, we'll pay for everything and support you through the process.

What Our Team Actually Says

Real feedback from our team on our positive work culture. Don't take our word for it...hear what our team has to say!
  • 10 Best by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • The National Trial Lawyers | Top 100 Lawyers
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb
  • The National Trial Lawyers | Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Henry Picazo
    "The sense of community within our team is unparalleled."
    I’m genuinely overjoyed to be a part of The Virga Law Firm, where the sense of community within our team is unparalleled. What I find most remarkable is how everyone is always ready to help, even when they’re swamped with their own tasks. This collective spirit of collaboration makes working here incredibly fulfilling. As the Client Support Coordinator, I take great pride in providing training and onboarding support for new candidates, knowing that I’m contributing to the growth and success of both our team and our clients.

    One of the aspects I admire most is our commitment to constantly improve our internal workflow processes and external communication channels. We’re always striving to streamline our operations, making it easier for everyone involved. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances our efficiency but also ensures that we deliver the best possible service to our clients.

    What truly resonates with me is how closely my values align with the firm’s mission. The Virga Law Firm is known for its unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and client advocacy. We truly care about our clients and work tirelessly to empower them with the knowledge, resources, and representation they need to overcome legal challenges and move forward with confidence in their lives. Being part of an organization that embodies these principles is both an honor and a privilege.
    - Henry Picazo
  • Sarah Shivers
    "From day one I have been treated with respect."

    I originally applied to the Virga Law Firm because of the company’s excellent reputation. From day one I have been treated with respect. My colleagues give me daily encouragement, and I always feel valued and appreciated. There is always someone available to lend a helping hand and push me to reach my goals or take on new challenges.

    - Sarah Shivers
  • Angela Campbell
    "I couldn’t imagine working with a better group of professionals."

    I enjoy working in family law as I feel it really gives me an opportunity to help other during some of the darkest days in their lives, and really be there to make a difference. The Virga Law Firm as a firm family, truly shares this passion of helping our clients see a brighter tomorrow. I couldn’t imagine working with a better group of professionals. I personally believe that The Virga Law Firm is different, that our work comes from the heart as many of us have went through the same dark times either personally or with a loved one. This understanding along with countless years of experience, allows us to provide quality representation and really help people which is my favorite part.

    - Angela Campbell
  • Katie Anderson
    "The Virga Law Firm is a great place to work."
    The Virga Law Firm is a great place to work. The staff are very friendly and the attorneys are honest and professional. I enjoy seeing and helping my coworkers with the daily tasks as we work together to help others. The staff are always willing to help when needed to make the firm run smoothly and proficient. The PTO is great as they want you to enjoy your family and have a break from busy life. Earned Half Day Fridays are the best. At times it can be difficult. Clients are dealing with one of the most difficult times in their lives. I do enjoy helping people through tough situations and explaining that this too shall pass. Easing their minds that they are strong enough to get through anything makes me feel as if I'm in the right place & working for the right company.
    - Katie Anderson
  • Marie Howell
    "I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else."

    My passion for helping others has truly found its fulfillment at the Virga Law Firm, where I have experienced the most rewarding moments of my career. Every day, I take pride in supporting our team as they make a meaningful difference by guiding clients through the complexities of divorce, custody, and paternity matters etc. Our attorneys are driven by a deep commitment to going the extra mile for our clients. I feel genuinely appreciated and valued in my role, and I am grateful to be part of a team that shares a collective commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

    - Marie Howell
    "The Virga Law Firm, was a perfect fit for me."

    My “why” for family law, although not the typical response as divorce is not a personal experience to me, stems from my exposure to the family courtroom and great impact the legal processes can have on the family structure. Growing up, I was taught the values of service, family, and community, each of which is not only at the core of family law, but also at the core of the Virga Law Firm. The Virga Law Firm provides a safe environment for its clients to be vulnerable and express his/her wishes and needs without fear of judgment. Going through the process of divorce is an emotional, and often fearful, process, but seeing the way the attorneys at the Virga Law Firm handle each case made me excited to join the team. I’ve always shown an interest in helping others through turbulent times, so practicing family law, and practicing it at the Virga Law Firm, was a perfect fit for me.

    - Amy Mizels
    "The Virga Law Firm is the place to be."
    I work in family law because I’m passionate about helping families navigate challenging transitions. When families face difficult changes and struggle to reach agreements, it’s incredibly rewarding to be the one who helps them find a resolution. At The Virga Law Firm, we deeply appreciate the trust our clients place in us. We are committed to doing everything in our power to guide them through these tough times, so they can move forward with their lives without being weighed down by legal battles, especially when children are involved. Working at The Virga Law Firm is a privilege because we genuinely care about our clients and their families. Our founder, Gerard Virga, is a devoted family man who takes these cases to heart, ensuring that we approach each situation with the compassion and dedication it deserves. As someone who has been married for 16 years and is a parent to four wonderful children, I understand the importance of finding a new normal for families in transition. At our firm, we are more than just colleagues—we are a family. The teamwork and cohesiveness here create an environment where we can truly make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. If you’re looking for a law firm that cares deeply about its clients and strives to make their lives better, The Virga Law Firm is the place to be.
    - Shawna Vickers

Your Actual Life at Virga Law Firm

Where Emerald Waters Meet Work-Life Balance

Translation: You practice law. You go home. You see your family. You go to the beach. You're not miserable. You make a difference. That's the job.

  • $0
    Business Development
    Required
  • 12 min
    Average Commute
    to Office
  • 45
    Average Work Hours
    Per Week
  • 30+
    Average Days Off Per Year
    (Plus Half Fridays)
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Housing Stipends
  • Student Loan Help
  • Real Time Off
  • Professional Growth
  • Benefits
  • Mentorship
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Guaranteed Work
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Lifestyle Location

Why Northwest Florida?
 

Cost of Living

The Beaches

Quality of Life

Less Traffic

Bottom line: Panama City Beach, Fort Walton, and Pensacola offer a lifestyle that's impossible in major Florida cities on a lawyer's salary. World's most beautiful beaches, accessible airport… You want proof? Come visit. We'll show you.

 

Email Your Resume to our team today!