Associate Attorney – Construction Defect Litigation
Location: Santa Ana, California
Experience Level: 0–7+ Years (Entry-level and lateral candidates encouraged to apply) Compensation: $120,000 – $190,000 depending on experience
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Attorney to join their premier Construction Defect practice group. This is a unique "any experience" opening: we are equally interested in Entry-Level Attorneys eager to build a career in a specialized field, and Lateral Associates from other litigation backgrounds (such as General Liability or PI) looking to pivot into complex, multi-party construction disputes.
For junior candidates, we provide a robust mentorship program and a clear path toward independent case handling. For experienced candidates, we offer a high-level caseload with opportunities for trial experience and client management.
Key Responsibilities
- Case Management: Manage all phases of construction defect litigation, representing developers, general contractors, or subcontractors in residential and commercial disputes.
- Discovery: Draft and respond to discovery requests, including complex document productions involving blueprints, job files, and inspection reports.
- Depositions: Prepare for and conduct depositions of plaintiffs, expert witnesses (engineers, architects), and site personnel.
- Expert Collaboration: Work closely with forensic experts to identify structural deficiencies, water intrusion issues, and standard-of-care violations.
- Advocacy: Draft and argue substantive motions (Demurrers, Summary Judgment) and attend court hearings and mediations.
- Reporting: Maintain proactive communication with insurance carriers and clients, providing clear analysis of liability and exposure.
Requirements
- Credentials: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license in good standing with the California Bar.
- Litigation Interest: A strong desire to master the "nuts and bolts" of construction—you must be comfortable learning how buildings are built and where they fail.
- Writing Skills: Exceptional research and writing skills are required for handling the dense motion practice characteristic of construction law.
- Organization: Ability to thrive in a high-volume environment where cases involve dozens of parties and thousands of pages of technical documents.
- Travel: Willingness to attend on-site inspections and property "walk-throughs" with experts as needed.
Preferred Skills (But Not Required)
- Experience with the Right to Repair Act or similar pre-litigation statutes.
- Background in engineering, architecture, or construction management.
- Previous experience in insurance defense or general civil litigation.
