Real Estate Litigation Associate Attorney

Real Estate Litigation Associate Attorney

About the Role:

A well-established boutique real estate law firm is seeking an experienced Real Estate Litigation Associate Attorney to join its San Francisco practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 2 5 years of civil litigation experience who is looking to take on substantive case responsibility, work directly with clients, and develop expertise across sophisticated real estate and landlord-tenant matters.

The successful candidate will handle matters from research and case development through discovery, motion practice, court appearances, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. The role provides regular client interaction, meaningful courtroom experience, direct mentorship, and opportunities for long-term professional advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counsel to property owners on real estate, landlord-tenant, and related litigation matters.
• Provide occasional legal support on real estate purchase-and-sale matters.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings, state and federal court proceedings, and appeals.
• Draft, review, and argue pleadings, motions, writs, briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative requirements.
• Manage discovery, including drafting and responding to discovery requests and reviewing discovery materials.
• Assist with trial preparation, including case strategy, evidence, exhibits, and witness preparation.
• Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, courts, administrative agencies, and other parties.
• Negotiate settlements and draft agreements to resolve disputes.
• Manage multiple litigation matters, deadlines, and competing priorities effectively.
• Develop practical legal strategies and provide responsive, client-focused advice.
• Participate in regular court appearances and gain hands-on experience with litigation proceedings.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal professionals to provide high-quality legal services.
• Maintain accurate case files and comply with professional, client, and firm requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California Bar and in good standing.
• 2 5 years of civil litigation experience.
• Experience with law and motion practice, discovery, and trial preparation.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience handling real estate or landlord-tenant litigation preferred.
• Land-use, administrative law, environmental litigation, writ, or appellate experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Westlaw, or comparable legal technology.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to analyze complex legal issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to responsive client service.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and staff.
• Professional judgment and a strong commitment to high-quality legal work.

Why Join Us:

• Take on substantive responsibility early in your career, including direct client contact and court appearances.
• Gain hands-on experience across real estate, landlord-tenant, administrative, and civil litigation matters.
• Work on sophisticated real estate disputes and high-impact matters throughout the Bay Area.
• Receive direct mentorship and collaborate closely with experienced attorneys.
• Develop your litigation, negotiation, research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Benefit from a clear path for professional advancement, including opportunities to progress toward Senior Associate or Shareholder.
• Build meaningful client relationships and develop your own legal practice over time.
• Work within a collegial and professional environment that supports work-life balance.
• Enjoy a relatively low 1,600 annual billable-hour requirement compared with many litigation practices.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• 401(k) or profit-sharing plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Eligibility for billable-hour and/or discretionary bonuses.
• Bar dues and CLE reimbursement.
• Transit or parking benefits.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• Work-life balance within a collegial and professional environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement and increased responsibility.