Litigation Associates - Construction Law & Litigation (0-6 Years Experience)

Job Description

Job Description

Become a Better Litigator.  Build a Career.

Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLC (“HHMR”), a 2026 Denver Business Journal "Best Place to Work," is a boutique litigation firm representing builders, developers, contractors, and design professionals throughout Colorado in complex construction and casualty matters.  We are looking for litigation associates at all levels who want a place to build a career.

At HHMR, associates do not spend years waiting for opportunities to practice law.  Our associates help develop case strategy from intake through resolution, have direct contact with clients and claims professionals, take and defend depositions, draft and argue motions, work directly with experts, participate in mediations, and try cases.  As an attorney develops, the responsibility grows.   Our goal is to develop skilled litigators.

A Firm Where People Want to Work

HHMR was recognized by the Denver Business Journal as one of its 2026 Best Places to Work , an honor based on confidential feedback from our employees.  That recognition is particularly meaningful to us.  We have spent 25 years building our reputation as a top-notch litigation firm, but we believe the quality of a law firm is also measured by the experience of the people who work there.  Our culture is built around six Core Values: Team Players; Excellent Skills; Pride & Passion; Strong Work Ethic; and Confidence.

Work Hard.  Have a Life.

HHMR’s annual billable-hour expectation is 1,800 hours .  Attorneys who want to produce more can do so and participate directly in the additional revenue they generate. HHMR pays a production bonus of $100 for each billable hour above 1,800 that is billed to the client.  This bonus structure provides a meaningful upside for attorneys who choose to produce more, but there is no obligation or expectation to bill more than 1,800 hours.

Learn From Experienced Lawyers and Then Become One

Our partners include recognized and decorated leaders in Colorado construction litigation.  HHMR provides a robust onboarding program, regular feedback and mentoring, monthly Lunch & Learns, and collaboration among attorneys.  We believe much of a lawyer’s development happens through everyday interaction with other lawyers.  For that reason, HHMR is an office-centered firm with work-from-home flexibility as needed.  We prefer our attorneys to work in the office, where mentoring, collaboration, camaraderie, and much of our culture occur.  At the same time, we recognize that professionals sometimes need or prefer to work elsewhere, and our attorneys have flexibility to do so when appropriate.

This is a Career, Not Just Your Next Job

HHMR has a formal Attorney Career Advancement Program and a defined path from Associate to Special Counsel, Non-Equity Partner, and Equity Partner.  We hire associates with the expectation that successful attorneys can develop through those ranks and ultimately have the opportunity to become owners of the firm.  Advancement is earned through increasing legal skill, judgment, client service, leadership, commitment to the firm, and, at the Equity Partner level, business development.  The goal is to make expectations transparent and give attorneys a meaningful opportunity to build a long-term career at HHMR.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidates will have some litigation experience.  Construction litigation experience is helpful, but it is not required. We are more interested in strong litigation fundamentals, excellent analytical and writing skills, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a sincere desire to practice construction litigation.

Admission to practice in Colorado is required.

Compensation

Salary range: $105,000–$175,000, depending on experience and qualifications.  In addition to base compensation:

• Attorneys receive an upside production bonus of $100 for each billable hour above 1,800 that is billed to the client; and

• Attorneys are eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Benefits

HHMR offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Fully-paid health insurance, including telehealth options;

• Fully paid dental insurance;

• Fully-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance;

• Optional vision, life, accident, and critical illness coverage;

• 401(k) with a 4% firm match after six months ;

• Covered underground parking;

• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association membership;

• Colorado Supreme Court annual attorney registration fees;

• Unlimited personal and vacation days; and

• Flexible home/office work when appropriate.

About HHMR

For 25 years, HHMR has represented the companies and professionals who build Colorado.  We have deliberately remained a focused litigation boutique, allowing us to combine sophisticated legal work with close client relationships, meaningful opportunities for developing lawyers, and a team-oriented culture.  We are proud of the professional recognition our attorneys and firm have received.  We are equally proud that the people who work here have recognized HHMR as a great place to work.

$105,000 - $175,000 yearly depending on experience

• Develop and implement case strategies from intake through resolution, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each case.

• Engage directly with clients and claims professionals to build strong, trust-based relationships.

• Take and defend depositions, showcasing your growing expertise and confidence in the field.

• Draft and argue motions, contributing to successful case outcomes.

• Collaborate with experts to strengthen case arguments and provide well-rounded legal perspectives.

• Participate actively in mediations, working towards favorable resolutions for clients.

• Contribute to trial preparations and participate in trials, gaining invaluable courtroom experience and honing litigation skills.

• Experience in civil litigation preferred, with construction law being a plus.
• Ability to develop and implement case strategies from intake through resolution.
• Proven track record of building strong, trust-based relationships with clients and claims professionals.
• Strong skills in taking and defending depositions, drafting and arguing motions.
• Experience collaborating with experts to strengthen case arguments.
• Active participation in mediations and trial preparations, with an interest in courtroom experience.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, with a focus on clear and concise communication of complex ideas and arguments to clients and colleagues alike.

Founded in 2001, HHMR is a Denver-based boutique litigation firm focused on construction law and the defense of complex construction litigation. The firm represents builders, developers, contractors, and design professionals throughout Colorado.

HHMR has built a reputation for handling large and sophisticated cases while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented environment. The firm has been recognized by the Denver Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work, reflecting its commitment to strong culture, teamwork, and delivering excellent legal work. HHMR values team-oriented professionals who take pride in their work, operate with a strong work ethic, and are committed to continuous improvement and delivering excellent results.