Associate Attorney

Kirk & Simas, PLC; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirk & Simas, PLC on the Central Coast of California seeks an Associate Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience or interest in Business and Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration, and Civil Litigation, and will thrive in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

We offer practical, results-driven legal services to individuals, families, and businesses. Compensation includes a base salary ranging from $70,000 to $85,000 annually, plus performance-based

Qualifications

• Experience with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw Precision) and MS Office.
• Experience in commercial leasing, contract drafting, real estate or business transactions, or estate planning.
• Experience supporting civil litigation.
• Strong drafting and proofreading skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, business agreements, and estate planning documents.
• Advise clients on business operations, governance, and real estate transactions.
• Prepare estate plans and assist with probate and trust administration.
• Assist with civil litigation including pleadings, discovery, and court appearances.
• Manage caseload, meet deadlines, and ensure files comply with firm standards.
• Maintain proactive client communication throughout matters.
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff on strategy and document prep.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and legal updates.

Skills

Technical Proficiency

Transactional Experience

Litigation Support

Attention to Detail

Communication Excellence

Client-Focused Mindset

Organizational Strength

Job description

KIRK & SIMAS, an established law firm serving California’s Central Coast, is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our growing team. Ideal candidates will have experience or interest in Business and Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration, and/or Civil Litigation. We are seeking an individual who thrives in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment and is committed to providing practical, results-driven legal services to individuals, families, and businesses. Candidates may focus their practice in one of these areas, though the ability to assist in related matters across practice groups is valued. Compensation includes a base salary ranging from $70,000 to $85,000 annually, plus performance-based bonus opportunities of up to $68,000 annually.

Responsibilities

• Document Drafting and Review: Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, including contracts, business agreements, estate planning documents, probate filings, pleadings, and discovery.
• Business & Real Estate: Advise clients on business operations, governance, compliance, and real estate transactions, including acquisitions, financing, and due diligence.
• Estate Planning & Administration: Prepare estate plans and assist with probate and trust administration while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and deadlines.
• Civil Litigation: Assist with litigation matters, including drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, negotiations, and court appearances as appropriate.
• Case Management: Manage a varied caseload, maintain deadlines, and ensure files comply with Firm standards.
• Client Communication: Maintain proactive communication with clients to provide updates, guidance, and support throughout each matter.
• Collaboration: Work closely with attorneys and staff across departments on legal strategy, research, and document preparation.
• Professional Development: Stay current on legal developments and participate in continuing education opportunities.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw Precision) and proficient in Microsoft Office and legal document management systems.
• Transactional Experience: Demonstrated experience in commercial leasing, contract drafting, real estate or business transactions, or estate planning.
• Litigation Support: Experience handling or supporting civil litigation, including business or estate-related disputes, is a plus.
• Attention to Detail: Strong drafting, proofreading, and organizational skills to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.
• Communication Excellence: Strong written and verbal skills, with the ability to explain legal issues clearly to clients and colleagues.
• Client-Focused Mindset: Committed to exceptional service, with a professional and empathetic approach to client needs.
• Organizational Strength: Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.