Litigation Associate

Litigation Associate Position

Pacifica is a values-driven, community-oriented law firm that champions innovation, creativity, integrity and personal and professional growth as part of serving its public and private clients with high-level expertise and intellect. Pacifica offers legal counsel and services to clients regarding appellate and civil litigation, project counseling, public finance and municipal law, education law, real estate, and construction. Work at Pacifica includes:

• A collegial environment among colleagues who value respect, care, and honesty.
• Assistance with and encouragement for professional growth and skills development.
• Interesting and challenging work.
• A culture that values work-life balance.
• Support and incentives for pro bono work and civic engagement.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our firm, in the legal profession and in our community at large.

Position Overview

We are seeking a litigation associate who is committed to excellent and ethical lawyering and will contribute to the diversity and success of our firm, as well as to the legal profession and our greater community. This is a unique opportunity to join a sophisticated litigation practice and work in a dynamic, expanding, and team-oriented atmosphere while enjoying the benefits of a smaller law firm.

Responsibilities

This role includes substantial responsibility for the preparation of pleadings and briefs in trial courts, administrative proceedings, and appellate courts that reflect the highest caliber of legal scholarship and written advocacy. The successful candidate will:

• Participate in all aspects of civil litigation, including discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and appeals.
• Assist in researching complex legal issues and providing strategic counseling to public, non-profit, and private clients.
• Work closely with public entities on infrastructure projects, including property acquisition and eminent domain, and advise on a range of municipal law issues, such as open public meetings and public records.
• Gain experience with stand-up courtroom practice and direct client interaction as responsibilities grow.

We offer a collegial environment and an excellent opportunity to continue to develop strong skills and professional growth.

Requirements

• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
• Familiarity with legal software search databases and computer proficiency
• Membership in the Washington State Bar Association
• Two or more years of civil litigation experience preferred, including clerkship
• Experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: municipal law, constitutional law, commercial disputes, real estate litigation, and/or land use issues.

Salary Range and Other Compensation

$160,000 - $205,000 annually depending on experience. Additional compensation may include annual performance-based bonuses.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance, life and AD&D coverage (additional coverage option available), and optional flexible spending account
• 401k Plan including annual Profit Sharing
• Identity Protection Plan
• Orca Card or Parking Stipend
• Access to Bicycle Parking
• Free use of Building's Fitness Center
• Matching Employee Charitable Contributions
• PTO – untracked PTO for exempt employees, tiered accrual of PTO for non-exempt staff starting at 21 days per year
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid professional membership dues
• Hybrid workplace

Pacifica is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that brings out the best of what each individual has to offer and in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of Pacifica. We value each individual for their skills, experience, and unique perspective. This commitment is embodied in the connections we have with each other, our clients and our community. Pacifica is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal and state antidiscrimination laws. We prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees or applicants for employment based on sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), race, color, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, national origin, caste, political ideology or military status or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.