Senior Litigation Attorney / Counsel (Partner-Minded Role)
Location: Baltimore, MD (Downtown)
Experience Level: 13+ Years
Ideal Bar Admissions: Maryland, Washington, DC and/or Virginia strongly preferred
Onsite initially with movement to hybrid (3 days) as relationships and communications build.
The Opportunity
A highly regarded boutique law firm is seeking a Senior Litigation Attorney / Counsel to step into a lead role managing an established, active book of business. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned litigator to operate with partner-level ownership, autonomy, and visibility—without the immediate pressure to originate work.
You will serve as the primary driver of litigation strategy, client relationships, and matter execution, working closely with firm leadership while leveraging support from a junior attorney. This role is designed for an attorney who is highly self-directed, organized, and relationship-oriented, and ready to take on a central leadership role in a lean, high-performing environment.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Step into an Existing Book – Immediate access to a steady pipeline of meaningful work
- Operate Like a Partner (Day One) – Own strategy, client relationships, and outcomes
- No Portable Business Required – Focus on delivering excellent work, not chasing originations
- High Autonomy, Low Bureaucracy – A streamlined environment where execution matters
- Direct Client Impact – Be the face of the relationship, not several layers removed
- Platform for Leadership – Ideal for attorneys ready to transition into a true partner-level role
- Work Alongside a Founder in a Tight-Knit Team – Collaborate directly with firm leadership in a small, highly engaged team, where your voice is heard and your contributions shape both client outcomes and firm direction
Practice Focus
The firm’s litigation work is primarily centered on:
- Construction and development-related disputes
- Representation of developers, contractors, and project stakeholders
- Matters involving commercial, residential, and municipal projects
Additional exposure includes:
- Commercial disputes and business advisory
- Real estate and development-related transactions
- Financing and loan-related matters tied to projects
Key Responsibilities
- Lead an active portfolio of litigation matters, managing cases from inception through resolution
- Develop and execute litigation strategy, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, and trial preparation
- Serve as the primary client contact, building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships
- Oversee and delegate work to a supporting attorney, ensuring organization, efficiency, and quality
- Maintain strong matter management discipline, including deadlines, priorities, and workflow
- Provide clear, strategic communication to clients, opposing counsel, and internal stakeholders
- Collaborate with firm leadership on case strategy and broader client objectives
Core Success Traits:
- Self-Motivated: Thrives in an autonomous environment with ownership over outcomes
- Highly Organized: Able to manage multiple active matters with precision and accountability
- Relationship-Driven: Builds trust with clients and becomes a go-to advisor
- Strong Communicator: Clear, concise, and confident in both written and verbal advocacy
- Technically Strong: Deep grounding in construction litigation and related legal frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex matters and client relationships
- Experience working in lean teams with limited leverage
Ideal Candidate
This role is best suited for a senior attorney who:
- Is a Senior Associate or Counsel in Big Law ready for a more meaningful, leadership-oriented role
- Already operates with a partner mindset, but lacks (or does not want to rely on) a portable book
- Wants to own client relationships and outcomes, not just execute discrete tasks
- Is energized by a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment
- Values impact, autonomy, and accountability over hierarchy and internal structure
