Associate General Counsel - Litigation

About Fairfield

If you're driven and looking for a collaborative workplace that makes a difference, you just might be a fit for Fairfield! We are a leader in the multifamily housing industry and we're passionate about creating exceptional apartment living. As we continue to grow, we're dedicated to investing in our people. Our culture is built on trust, support, and the drive to do great work. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to make an impact, develop your skills, and be part of something bigger. Come build your future with us!

About the Role

The Associate General Counsel - Litigation serves as a key legal advisor responsible for managing Fairfield’s litigation portfolio and supporting risk management initiatives across property operations, construction, development, and general contracting activities. This role partners closely with executive leadership and business teams to protect the organization’s interests while balancing legal strategy with business objectives. This position is based at our corporate office in San Diego, CA, with a hybrid work arrangement that includes regular in-office attendance. To support this schedule, candidates must be located within commuting distance of our Sorrento Valley office.

What You'll Do

Litigation Management

• Manage and oversee litigation and dispute resolution matters across the portfolio.
• Direct litigation and settlement strategy in partnership with outside counsel.
• Handle construction, contract, premises liability, habitability, fair housing, and related claims.
• Provide regular updates regarding litigation exposure, status, and outcomes.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Partner with risk management to evaluate coverage for litigation matters.
• Coordinate with insurers and third-party administrators on claims and coverage issues.
• Analyze contractual risk transfer provisions, indemnification requirements, and insurance obligations.
• Monitor litigation trends and recommend risk mitigation strategies.

Construction & Operational Disputes

• Manage construction defect, contractor, subcontractor, and design professional disputes.
• Support resolution of claims through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
• Advise on mechanic's liens, contract disputes, and operational claims.
• Collaborate with business teams to reduce recurring legal risks.

Compliance & Policy Development

• Research and interpret laws and regulations impacting multifamily operations.
• Monitor legal developments and update policies and practices accordingly.
• Develop procedures and training materials designed to reduce claims and support compliance.
• Partner with stakeholders to strengthen loss prevention initiatives.

Leadership & Partnership

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership and business teams.
• Collaborate with operations, construction, development, property management, and risk management teams.
• Align legal recommendations with business objectives and enterprise risk considerations.
• Support a proactive approach to legal risk management throughout the organization.

Why You'll Love Fairfield

We're all about creating communities that people are proud to call home. Being a part of Fairfield means more than a rewarding career with personal growth. It's a partnership, working alongside colleagues in an open-dialogue environment that encourages growth and the sharing of ideas. We know that our associates are a key ingredient to our success, and we're proud to reflect that in our culture. Driven by Vision: We are a vertically integrated operator and investment manager in the multifamily sector with in-house development, construction, acquisition, and property and asset management services. As we continue to grow, we want you to grow with us. Career Growth & Learning: Fairfield values new ideas at every level. We offer training, coaching, and mentoring to help associates develop their careers and inspire them to create change for the better. Culture of Collaboration: Enjoy a professional, supportive environment where we work together to drive meaningful impact. A Company that Cares: We are proud to offer robust benefit packages with a focus on both quality of care and affordability. We offer competitive compensation plans, 401(k) matching, and paid time off, including sick days and volunteer time off (VTO) to support causes that matter to you.

What We're Looking For

Education & Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
• Admission to practice law in California required.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience at a mid-sized or large law firm, corporate legal department, or a combination of both, with at least 3 years of in-house or portfolio-level litigation management experience.
• Experience managing complex litigation matters, including construction defect, personal injury, premises liability, contract disputes, and property management operations claims such as tenant disputes, fair housing, and habitability matters.
• Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel across multiple jurisdictions and litigation forums.
• Experience evaluating insurance coverage and coordinating with insurers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and cross-functional business teams on risk-sensitive matters.

Skills & Competencies

• Litigation Management
• Construction Defect Litigation Expertise
• Insurance Coverage Analysis
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Dispute Resolution and Negotiation
• Outside Counsel Management
• Contract Risk Transfer Analysis
• Strategic Legal Advisory
• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
• Fair Housing and Landlord-Tenant Law Knowledge
• Legal Research and Interpretation
• Policy Development and Loss Prevention
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Business Acumen and Commercial Judgment
• Executive Communication and Influence

Estimated Rate of Pay

$250,000.00 - $280,000.00 This position is exempt; the range above reflects annual salary. The pay range displayed for this position is determined by skills and experience required, location and job complexity*. Potential job offers may vary based on the skills, education, and experience an individual candidate holds. This range reflects base rate only, and does not include allowances, perks, commissions or bonuses applicable to this position (if any).

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid holidays and sick days
• Paid time off for volunteering activities (optional)
• Matched 401(k)
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance

* Pay range is a calculation based on a midpoint price. Fairfield complies with all wage and hour laws, including minimum wage and salary exempt requirements.

Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with others, including supervisors; adhere to performance standards despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies.

Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinances, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable law, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

At Fairfield, we are proud to be a leader in the multifamily housing industry. We are passionate about creating exceptional apartment living. Among the most experienced multifamily companies, Fairfield has developed and acquired over 1,000 communities since 1985. We are an award-winning company that proudly employs over 1,500 associates who are dedicated to serving our customers at our apartment communities located in over 35 markets nationwide. We have a great opportunity for you to work side by side with our passionate, bright and highly experienced professionals in the Multifamily Housing industry.

Why consider us? Competitive Salary and Benefits Package. Careers are made at Fairfield- We are committed to developing our staff through our robust in-person, online and social training. Promotions from within are encouraged. Environmentally Aware- Fairfield leads the industry through our Living Green Program and our LEED Certified communities. Award Winning- Fairfield is recognized for our customer service, training and professionalism.

Are you interested in work made meaningful? We support residents living well, a workplace culture that is friendly, fun, collaborative and one that encourages success. If you meet the minimum requirements and have a strong customer focused attitude, you are encouraged to submit your resume.