Associate Attorney

Senior Real Estate, Construction & Civil Litigation Attorney

A well-established law firm is seeking a senior-level Associate Attorney with a minimum of five years of experience, with ten or more years strongly preferred, to handle a substantive and varied caseload focused on real estate, construction, and civil litigation.

The practice handles matters including commercial and residential lease review and negotiations, landlord-tenant litigation, quiet title and co-tenancy disputes, real estate non-disclosure claims, easement and boundary disputes, construction defects and contractor disputes, as well as broader civil litigation involving contract, business, and property matters.

This is primarily an in-office position, with occasional flexibility to work remotely. The attorney will have frequent courtroom exposure and should be comfortable handling hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trial-related matters.

Cases are distributed across the team, and attorneys have the opportunity to develop their own business, although business generation is not required. The ideal candidate will be able to independently manage a caseload while collaborating effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active caseload involving:
• Commercial and residential lease review and negotiations
• Landlord-tenant litigation
• Quiet title and co-tenancy disputes
• Real estate non-disclosure claims
• Easement and boundary disputes
• Construction defects and contractor disputes
• Contract, business, and property litigation
• Appear regularly in court for hearings, depositions, and trial
• Draft and review legal documents, including contracts, motions, pleadings, discovery, and client correspondence
• Conduct legal research using legal research platforms such as LexisNexis and Westlaw
• Develop case strategy and provide legal guidance to clients
• Prepare for trial, including organizing evidence, preparing exhibits, and coordinating witness testimony
• Communicate directly with clients regarding case developments, legal options, and strategy
• Work closely with paralegals and support staff throughout case development, discovery, and trial preparation
• Represent clients in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings
• Stay current on applicable statutes, case law, procedural requirements, and court rules

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum five years of legal experience in real estate, construction, or civil litigation; ten or more years preferred
• Substantive experience handling real estate transactions and disputes, construction matters, and general civil litigation
• Strong courtroom experience with a demonstrated ability to handle hearings and trial-related matters
• Experience conducting legal research using LexisNexis, Westlaw, or comparable legal research platforms
• Excellent legal drafting skills, including contracts, motions, pleadings, discovery, and client correspondence
• Strong negotiation and courtroom advocacy skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to clients
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a substantial caseload
• Strong organizational and case-management skills
• Working knowledge of California procedural law and court rules
• Active license and good standing with the California State Bar

Work Environment

• Full-time position
• Primarily in-office
• Monday-Friday schedule
• Frequent courtroom and client-facing responsibilities
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment
• Opportunity for professional growth and development
• Opportunity to develop and grow an individual practice

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $130,000-$220,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications
• Bonus opportunities
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person