Eminent Domain Attorney

Position Title: Eminent Domain Attorney

We are seeking an experienced Eminent Domain Attorney to join a well-established litigation team in Costa Mesa, CA. This role offers the opportunity to represent public agencies in eminent domain and complex civil litigation matters, including property acquisition disputes, condemnation proceedings, and related litigation. The attorney will handle substantive legal work, including drafting pleadings and motions, conducting depositions, managing discovery, preparing for trial, and maintaining direct client relationships.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented attorney with a strong civil litigation background, excellent legal writing skills, and an interest in eminent domain and public agency representation. This opportunity is ideal for someone who values hands-on litigation experience, professional mentorship, and a collaborative work environment.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $190,000 / annually, DOE

Responsibilities

• Represent public agencies in eminent domain, condemnation, and related civil litigation matters
• Handle litigation involving property acquisition disputes and other matters affecting public entities
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents, including motions for summary judgment
• Conduct and defend depositions, attend court hearings, and participate in litigation proceedings
• Manage discovery, including preparing and responding to discovery requests
• Conduct legal research and develop effective case strategies
• Prepare cases for trial, including coordinating evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments
• Maintain direct communication with clients and provide strategic legal guidance
• Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to ensure effective case management
• Meet an annual billable hour requirement of 1,850 hours

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active membership in the California State Bar
• Minimum of 2 years of civil litigation experience, with 5-10 years preferred
• Experience in civil litigation involving public agencies, eminent domain, personal injury, civil rights, insurance defense, tort liability, or related practice areas
• Demonstrated experience taking depositions and appearing in court
• Strong legal writing skills, including experience drafting pleadings, discovery responses, and substantive motions
• Experience preparing motions for summary judgment and other complex litigation filings
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to clients
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative legal team
• Eminent domain litigation experience and experience representing public entities are preferred
• Trial experience is a plus
• California litigation experience required

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match after one year
• Unlimited vacation, subject to meeting billable hour requirements
• Paid holidays
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• Hybrid work flexibility based on experience and position level
• Formal mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Annual performance reviews and merit-based salary increases
• Supportive, collaborative work environment emphasizing work-life balance
• Opportunities for direct client interaction and hands-on litigation experience