Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Plumtree & Brunner LLP is a growing boutique, lifestyle, construction law firm seeking a full-time attorney with 1-5 years of experience to join our San Luis Obispo office. As a growing firm, we offer significant opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and long-term career advancement within a collaborative and lifestyle-oriented environment.

While prior construction law experience is not required, an interest in the construction industry and construction law is a bonus. Civil litigation experience is beneficial but not required.

Our practice focuses primarily on complex construction disputes, including breach of contract litigation, while also maintaining a substantial contract and advisory practice. The firm regularly advises contractors, subcontractors, developers, and business owners on risk management, construction contracts and negotiation, project administration, claim avoidance, and day-to-day legal issues that arise during the course of construction projects.

Associate attorneys at Plumtree & Brunner LLP work closely with the partners to manage matters from inception through resolution and are given meaningful responsibility early in their careers. Associates are actively involved in litigation strategy, contract drafting and analysis, client counseling, negotiations, and dispute resolution, with the support of experienced attorneys and paralegals.

Our firm takes pride in fostering a highly collaborative atmosphere that encourages teamwork, mentorship, and the free exchange of ideas, which produces excellent results for our clients. To support this team atmosphere, our firm engages in regular strategy sessions that include both partners and associates, has monthly themed lunches for all employees, and throws a voluntary Christmas party where spouses/partners are encouraged to attend. Lodging and travel, along with several meals and one group activity, is paid for by the firm.

The firm remains at the forefront of developments in construction law through active participation in industry organizations, continuing legal education, and legislative and lobbying activities affecting the construction industry. We pay for CLE classes to educate our attorneys on construction law and civil procedure laws that directly affect the practice of law at our firm.

Duties:

- Managing cases from start to finish under the guidance of a partner and support of a paralegal

- Conducting legal research and presenting arguments

- Negotiating settlements and contracts on behalf of clients

- Providing legal advice and guidance to clients

- Preparing legal documents, including pleadings and motions

- Attending court hearings, depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings

- Collaborating with other attorneys and legal professionals on case strategy and preparation

- Maintaining accurate and organized case files

Benefits

-Health Insurance

-401K with matching

-Billable Bonus Structure

-Firm-paid CLE and professional development opportunities

Salary: $90,000- $110,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Minimum billable requirements: 1800.

Qualifications:

- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

- Admitted to practice law in California

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

- Proficient in legal research tools and software