Associate Attorney - Construction Law

Job Overview: A highly respected law firm is seeking an experienced Associate Attorney to join its construction law practice in Cerritos, CA. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in handling construction contract claims for both public and private projects, excluding construction defect work. This role offers the opportunity to engage in arbitration and trial work, contribute to complex litigation, and collaborate with a seasoned team of legal professionals. The position also provides competitive compensation and potential for career growth.

Duties:

• Handle construction contract claims, including public and private projects
• Participate in arbitration and trial preparation, including direct involvement in proceedings
• Draft motions, letters, and legal documents related to construction litigation issues
• Manage mechanic’s lien claims, stop notices, bid protests, and payment/performance bond issues
• Address contract extras, delay and impact damages, and assess liquidated damages
• Work on alternative project delivery methods
• Conduct depositions of both percipient and expert witnesses
• Develop and execute discovery plans
• Communicate directly with clients, offering strategic guidance and legal expertise
• Manage legal tasks from inception to resolution with minimal oversight

Requirements:

• 3-5 years of experience in construction law, focusing on contract claims
• Experience in arbitration and exposure to trial work
• Knowledge of construction-related laws, including mechanic’s lien, stop notices, bid protests, and public contract law
• Familiarity with claims related to contract extras, delays, and liquidated damages
• Deposition experience, including handling expert witnesses
• Experience in discovery management, including preparing and responding to discovery
• Excellent legal writing skills, with a focus on construction law issues
• Strong client communication and relationship-building skills
• Self-motivated with excellent follow-through abilities

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice law in California and in good standing

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of construction law, particularly related to contract claims
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage complex litigation matters
• Effective communication and client management skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple tasks

This California firm was founded in 1979 and focuses on employment, labor, construction, education, real estate, general business and business litigation, corporate, taxation, bankruptcy, and immigration. Committed to high-quality legal work, the highly experienced lawyers have won many cases on behalf of clients. The firm has received numerous awards and accolades for professional accomplishments and contributions to communities. The diverse team of attorneys has business and education backgrounds allowing for the combination of practical, useful advice with innovative legal strategies. Believing in diversity, the firm is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The attorneys actively support education and other non-profit organizations. The firm is committed to collegiality, teamwork, and openness with each other and with clients. The firm also provides numerous in-house training sessions and workshops on current legal matters.