Associate Attorney

Gatzke Dillon & Ballance LLP; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) Plan

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Gatzke Dillon & Ballance LLP (GDB) in Carlsbad, CA seeks an experienced Associate Attorney admitted in California to support and complement its environmental and land use practice. The role involves researching, drafting pleadings, reviewing CEQA/NEPA, appearing in court, negotiating with agencies, and advising clients on complex projects while collaborating with senior attorneys and technical consultants.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the California Bar is required.
• Strong academic background from an accredited law school.
• Experienced, organized, detail-oriented and independent practitioner in a team-focused environment.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare memoranda, pleadings, motions, and appellate briefs for complex matters.
• Review statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative records; evaluate CEQA/NEPA documents.
• Appear in court and administrative hearings; negotiate with opposing counsel and agencies.
• Collaborate with experts and consultants on large projects; maintain client communications and case files.

Skills

Admitted to CA Bar

Legal research

Attention to detail

Team oriented

Education

Law degree from accredited law school

Job description

Gatzke Dillon & Ballance LLP (GDB) seeks an experienced Associate Attorney admitted in California to support and complement its existing roster of lawyers. The ideal candidate is committed to providing legal counsel on dynamic environmental and land use matters for public agencies (e.g., cities and counties, airport proprietors) and private entities (e.g., landowners, land use developers), as well as litigation support in various environmental, real estate, and construction matters.

Firm Description.

GDB is a Carlsbad-based law firm founded in 1980, focused on land use, environmental, natural resources, government, airport/aviation, construction, civil litigation, trial, and appellate law. The firm represents public and private clients on complex and often high-profile planning and litigation matters in a variety of forums. It provides comprehensive litigation, planning, and counseling services and collaborates closely with experts and technical consultants across diverse disciplines. GDB is known for high-quality work, effective court representation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing clients’ goals in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Additional information regarding the firm is available at www.gdandb.com.

Role Description.

The Associate Attorney will work on complex land use, environmental, municipal, and related civil litigation matters, primarily supporting senior attorneys in research, drafting, and case strategy. Day-to-day responsibilities include preparing legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, and appellate briefs; reviewing and analyzing statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative records; and, evaluating CEQA and NEPA compliance documents for legal defensibility. The role involves appearing in court and at administrative hearings as needed, participating in negotiations with opposing counsel and public agencies, and collaborating with experts and technical consultants on large-scale projects. The Associate Attorney will also support clients through ongoing legal counseling, help prepare client communications, and maintain organized case files and deadlines.

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Carlsbad, CA. However, t he firm will also consider part-time applicants.

Compensation.

The anticipated salary range for a full-time position will be between $140,000 and $190,000, depending on experience. A discretionary bonus may also be available based on performance. This position's benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and flexible paid time off.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the California Bar
• Strong academic background from an accredited law school
• Experienced, organized, detail‑oriented and independent legal practitioner, coupled with the ability to engage in a collegial, team‑focused environment
• Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills