Associate Attorney Real Estate, Landlord-Tenant & Unlawful Detainer

Experience: 2-5 years of post-bar experience preferred Employment: Full-time, exempt Reports to: Senior Partner, Real Estate & Property Practice About the Firm Worden Williams LLP is an established San Diego County law firm founded in 1975, with a diversified practice serving private clients, closely held businesses, and public agencies throughout Southern California.Our attorneys handle real estate and land use, business and corporate matters, estate planning and trust administration, and limited related litigation.We are known for substantive work, long-tenured client relationships, and a collegial office culture in our Solana Beach office. Position Summary We are seeking an Associate Attorney with approximately two (2) to five (5) years of California practice experience to join our real estate and property practice on a long-term succession track.This is not a typical associate posting: the successful candidate will work directly with our senior real estate partner - learning the practice, meeting his clients, and gradually assuming responsibility for the work.As that partner transitions toward retirement over the coming years, the attorney in this role is expected to carry the practice forward, maintaining client relationships, continuing established matters, and building on the book of business he has developed over his career at the firm. In the near term, the role offers a high level of substantive responsibility, direct client contact, and structured mentorship.The successful candidate will handle a mixed docket of transactional real estate matters, residential and commercial landlord-tenant counseling, and unlawful detainer proceedings from pre-litigation notices through trial. Key Responsibilities Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, licenses, and related real estate transactional documents. Counsel residential and commercial landlords on lease compliance, rent regulation, habitability, and risk management under California and local ordinances (including AB 1482 and applicable just-cause regimes). Prepare and serve statutory notices (3-day, 30/60/90-day, and notices to perform covenant or quit) and manage unlawful detainer matters through pleadings, motion practice, discovery, trial, and post-judgment enforcement. Represent clients at case management conferences, ex parte hearings, settlement conferences, and unlawful detainer trials in San Diego County Superior Court and surrounding jurisdictions. Conduct title and due-diligence review, draft title objection letters, and coordinate with escrow, lenders, and brokers on closings. Research and advise on issues arising under the California Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure, local rent ordinances, CC&Rs, and recorded title matters. Manage matters efficiently, including time entry, client communication, and supervision of administrative support. Contribute to business development through client relationships, referral source contact, and participation in firm and community activities. Work alongside the senior real estate partner on a structured transition plan: shadowing existing matters, being introduced to long-standing clients and referral sources, and progressively taking ownership of the practice over time. Our senior real estate partner has built a respected real estate and property practice over the course of his career at the firm.As he plans for retirement in the coming years, we are hiring the attorney who will be his successor.The right candidate will: Spend significant time learning the senior partner’s practice areas, matters, and clients. Be introduced to clients, opposing counsel, brokers, and referral sources as the continuing point of contact for the practice. Gradually assume primary responsibility for active matters, with the senior partner available to mentor and advise during the transition. Carry the practice forward post-retirement, with the firm’s full institutional, administrative, and partner-level support. Be considered, based on performance, for a path toward expanded responsibility and partnership. This is an unusual and meaningful opportunity for an attorney early in their career to step into an established, profitable practice rather than build one from scratch. Required Qualifications Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school. Active membership in the State Bar of California in good standing. Approximately two (2) years of post-bar California practice experience, with meaningful exposure to real estate transactions and/or landlord-tenant or civil litigation. Demonstrated familiarity with the California unlawful detainer process and applicable statutory notice requirements. Strong legal research, drafting, and analytical skills, with attention to detail in transactional documents and pleadings. Excellent written and verbal communication and the professional judgment to interact directly with clients, opposing counsel, and the court. Ability to manage a varied caseload, meet filing and statutory deadlines, and work productively in a collaborative, in-office environment. Interest in committing to the firm for the long term, with the goal of continuing the real estate practice in a primary attorney role over time. Preferred Qualifications Trial or evidentiary hearing experience, including unlawful detainer trials or law-and-motion practice. Experience advising property managers, real estate brokers, HOAs, or institutional landlords. Familiarity with San Diego County local rules and e-filing procedures. Working knowledge of commercial leasing, ground leases, or land use entitlements. What We Offer Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus discretionary bonus eligibility. Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) plan with firm contribution. Paid time off, paid holidays, and reimbursement of State Bar dues and reasonable CLE expenses. Direct, sustained mentorship from a senior partner who is actively transitioning his practice to you. A defined succession path into an established real estate and property practice, with existing clients and active matters from day one. Clear runway toward expanded responsibility and consideration for partnership based on performance. A collegial, in-office work environment in coastal Solana Beach. How to Apply Qualified candidates should submit the following materials in a single PDF: Cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience. Law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable at the application stage). A short legal writing sample (5-10 pages) that is substantially your own work. List of three professional references. Submit application materials to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line “ Associate Attorney - Real Estate / Landlord-Tenant. ” Worden Williams LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; the position will remain open until filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr Worden Williams LLP