Position Overview
Are you a litigator tired of spending years in the background managing discovery? Our Client is seeking an ambitious, client-focused Civil Litigation Associate with 3 to 5 years of litigation experience to step into a high-impact, hands-on trial role.
Our Client is a premier boutique firm dedicated exclusively to protecting homeowners in complex disputes with residential contractors, builders, and developers. In this role, you will not sit behind a senior partner for years—from day one, you will take ownership of cases, run depositions, argue motions, and gain genuine first- and second-chair trial experience, all while supported by dedicated mentors.
Why Join Our Client?
- Immediate Courtroom & Trial Experience: Gain real standalone courtroom experience, conduct mediations, and try cases rather than being limited to back-office research and document review.
- Direct Client Contact: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, guiding them through stressful, high-stakes construction and property disputes.
- Built-in Mentorship: Enjoy significant autonomy without feeling left on an island. You will work closely with experienced team leads and seasoned litigators who actively mentor your career growth.
- Specialized, High-Demand Practice: Build a high-value focus in construction, commercial, and real estate litigation within a rapidly growing firm.
What You'll Do
As a Civil Litigation Associate, you will manage a diverse caseload from initial client intake through resolution, including:
- Strategy & Advocacy: Conduct client consultations, evaluate case merits, and build comprehensive litigation strategies.
- Pleadings & Discovery: Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, and complex discovery requests and responses.
- Courtroom & Deposition Practice: Take and defend depositions, argue motions in court, and handle evidentiary hearings.
- Dispute Resolution: Lead mediations, settlement negotiations, and arbitrations.
- Trial Preparation & Execution: First-chair or second-chair trials alongside senior attorneys, working closely with expert witnesses and construction consultants.
- Client Relations: Maintain proactive, regular communication with clients throughout every stage of their matter.
Candidate Qualifications
Must-Have Requirements:
- Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Licensure: Active license to practice law in Virginia (admission to Maryland and/or Washington, D.C. bars is a strong plus).
- Experience: 3–5 years of civil litigation experience, including active trial, hearing, deposition, and motion practice experience.
- Independence: Demonstrated ability to manage case files independently from inception to resolution.
- Work History: Stable professional work history.
- Location: Local candidates only (no relocation assistance provided).
Preferred Experience:
- Prior background in construction litigation, commercial litigation, or real estate disputes is helpful, but not required—ambition and foundational trial skills are what matter most.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary Range: $111,000 – $180,000 annually (commensurate with experience and litigation capabilities).
- Performance Bonuses: Discretionary, performance-based bonus opportunities.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health coverage, including options for dental, vision, and Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with matching employer contributions.
- Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid firm holidays.
- Professional Growth: Firm-sponsored CLE, professional development assistance, and a clear path for advancement.
- Workplace Support: Parental leave and direct, structured mentorship from senior construction litigators.
Position Details
- Openings: 2 Positions Available
- Relocation Assistance: Not Available
- Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
How to Apply
To apply in strict confidence, please submit your resume, cover letter, and a representative writing sample.