Public Contracting and Complex Litigation Attorney Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Public Contracting & Complex Litigation Associate with 4–6 years of experience representing public agencies to join a sophisticated California public law practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys a combination of transactional public contracting work and complex litigation , particularly matters involving public works, construction disputes, procurement, and municipal representation.

• California – Firmwide (Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, Palm Desert, San Diego, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County)
• Hybrid work arrangement available

• Advise California cities, counties, special districts, state agencies, and other public entities on contracting and procurement matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate public agency agreements, including:
  • Professional services agreements
  • Engineering contracts
  • Procurement agreements
  • Technology contracts
  • Public works and construction-related agreements
• Handle complex litigation involving California public works and construction projects.
• Manage disputes involving:
  • Construction delays and disruptions
  • Differing site conditions
  • Defective work
  • Surety bond claims
• Assist public agencies with broader litigation and advisory matters.
• Counsel clients regarding California Public Records Act (CPRA) compliance.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other substantive legal documents.
• Work directly with public agency clients to provide practical, strategic guidance.
• Independently manage matters while collaborating with experienced attorneys on complex issues.

• 4–6 years of relevant legal experience.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar .
• Experience representing California public agencies .
• Experience with public contracting and procurement matters.
• Significant litigation experience involving public works and/or construction disputes.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy abilities.
• Strong judgment and client-service skills.
• Ability to independently manage matters while working effectively within a collaborative team.

• Municipal or public agency representation.
• Public works and construction litigation.
• Government procurement and contracting.
• CPRA compliance and advisory matters.
• Surety bond and construction claims.

• Base Salary: $165,000–$205,000 , depending on experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Discretionary and billable-hours bonus opportunities.
• Reasonable billable-hour expectations.
• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Competitive health benefits.
• 401(k) with partial employer match.
• Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities.

This position offers a unique opportunity to build a practice that combines sophisticated public contracting with substantive complex litigation . Attorneys receive meaningful responsibility, direct interaction with public agency clients, and exposure to challenging public works, construction, procurement, and regulatory matters.

For an attorney looking for high-quality public law work, reasonable billable expectations, strong mentorship, and long-term career growth , this is an excellent opportunity.

Interested? Apply through Direct Counsel or reach out to learn more.