Associate Attorney

Company Description

Saal & Plaskett, PLLC is a boutique real estate litigation firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. We represent individuals, businesses, property owners, investors, and other clients in a wide range of real estate and civil litigation matters.

Our practice is built around providing practical, strategic, and results-oriented representation while maintaining clear and responsive communication with our clients. Because we are a boutique firm, our attorneys have meaningful responsibility for their cases and the opportunity to handle substantive litigation matters from inception through resolution.

We value strong legal analysis, thoughtful advocacy, professional judgment, accountability, and collaboration. Our attorneys work closely with one another and with our legal support team while maintaining significant ownership over their individual caseloads. We are committed to providing opportunities for continued professional development, hands-on litigation experience, and long-term growth within the firm.

Just as importantly, we take pride in maintaining a positive, collegial work environment. We believe excellent legal work and a sustainable career should coexist, and we prioritize a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, flexibility, and reasonable work-life balance.

Role Description

Saal & Plaskett, PLLC is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our Phoenix office. This is a litigation-focused position for an attorney who is comfortable taking meaningful responsibility for cases and wants substantial hands-on experience in real estate and civil litigation.

The Associate Attorney will manage an active caseload under the supervision and guidance of the firm's partners and will be responsible for developing case strategy, communicating with clients, conducting legal research, and drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, settlement communications, and other substantive legal documents.

The attorney will also have regular opportunities to take and defend depositions, participate in mediations and settlement negotiations, prepare witnesses, argue motions, attend evidentiary hearings, and participate in trials and other court proceedings. The role requires close attention to court deadlines, responsiveness to clients, sound judgment, and the ability to independently move matters forward while collaborating with partners, paralegals, and legal assistants.

This is a full-time, on-site position in Phoenix, Arizona , with regular appearances in state and local courts.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona, or eligibility for prompt admission.
• Prior civil litigation experience strongly preferred.
• Experience taking or defending depositions, arguing motions, participating in hearings, mediations, or trials is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure and Arizona litigation practice.
• Experience with Arizona real estate or property law is preferred, although candidates with strong litigation backgrounds and an interest in developing expertise in real estate law are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze statutes, case law, procedural rules, and complex factual records.
• Strong legal writing skills, with demonstrated ability to draft clear, persuasive pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, and client communications.
• Ability to evaluate legal and practical risks and provide clients with clear, strategic recommendations.
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills in settlement discussions, mediations, and contested proceedings.
• Ability to independently manage multiple matters, competing deadlines, and client expectations while maintaining high-quality work.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and colleagues.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, attention to detail, ethical judgment, and commitment to client service.

What We Offer

At Saal & Plaskett, we believe attorneys do their best work when they are given meaningful opportunities, appropriate support, and the ability to maintain a life outside of the office. We have intentionally built a firm culture that is collaborative, professional, and supportive without sacrificing the quality of our work or the results we achieve for our clients.

Associates can expect:

• Meaningful litigation experience from the outset, including direct involvement in depositions, hearings, mediations, oral arguments, trials, and substantive case strategy.
• Real ownership of cases, with the opportunity to manage matters and develop client relationships rather than spending years exclusively performing background research or document review.
• Direct mentorship and access to the firm's partners, including regular opportunities to discuss strategy, improve advocacy skills, and receive meaningful feedback.
• A collaborative and respectful team environment where attorneys and staff work together, communicate openly, and support one another.
• A strong work-life balance. We take deadlines and client obligations seriously, but we also believe that consistently excellent work does not require an unnecessarily rigid or unsustainable law firm culture.
• A positive office culture that values professionalism without unnecessary formality, internal competition, or the expectation that attorneys sacrifice their personal lives to demonstrate commitment to the firm.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities for attorneys who want to expand their litigation skills, develop expertise in real estate law, and grow with the firm.
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Benefits and paid time off.
• The opportunity to join a growing boutique firm where strong performance is recognized and individual contributions have a meaningful impact on both the firm's clients and its continued growth.

We are looking for an attorney who takes pride in their work, wants to become a stronger litigator, and values being part of a team that works hard, treats people well, and maintains perspective outside of the practice of law.