Associate General Counsel - Litigation

Fairfield; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Matched 401(k)

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Fairfield seeks an experienced Associate General Counsel - Litigation to lead Fairfield's litigation portfolio and align legal strategy with business objectives. This role partners with executive leadership to manage risk across operations, development, and contracting.

The position is based at our San Diego corporate office with a hybrid work arrangement requiring proximity to our Sorrento Valley office. CA-licensed lawyers with a decade of litigation experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar membership required.
• Minimum 10 years of litigation experience at a mid-sized or large firm, corporate legal dept, or mix, with 3+ years in-house or portfolio-level litigation management.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation across Fairfield's portfolio and oversee dispute resolution.
• Direct litigation and settlement strategy with outside counsel.
• Handle construction defect, contract disputes, premises liability, habitability, fair housing, and related claims.
• Provide updates on litigation exposure, status, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with risk management on coverage matters and indemnification.
• Develop compliance policies and loss prevention programs.

Skills

Litigation Management

Construction Defect Litigation

Insurance Coverage Analysis

Enterprise Risk Management

Dispute Resolution

Outside Counsel Management

Contract Risk Transfer

Strategic Legal Advisory

Regulatory Compliance

Fair Housing Knowledge

Legal Research

Policy Development

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Business Acumen

Executive Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

California Bar Admission

Job description

About Fairfield

If you're driven and looking for a collaborative workplace that makes a difference, you just might be a fit for Fairfield! We are a leader in the multifamily housing industry and we're passionate about creating exceptional apartment living. As we continue to grow, we're dedicated to investing in our people. Our culture is built on trust, support, and the drive to do great work. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to make an impact, develop your skills, and be part of something bigger. Come build your future with us!

About the Role

The Associate General Counsel - Litigation serves as a key legal advisor responsible for managing Fairfield’s litigation portfolio and supporting risk management initiatives across property operations, construction, development, and general contracting activities. This role partners closely with executive leadership and business teams to protect the organization’s interests while balancing legal strategy with business objectives.

This position is based at our corporate office in San Diego, CA, with a hybrid work arrangement that includes regular in-office attendance. To support this schedule, candidates must be located within commuting distance of our Sorrento Valley office.

What You'll Do

Below is a snapshot of what this role is all about. While there is more to it, this is the core focus.

Litigation Management

• Manage and oversee litigation and dispute resolution matters across the portfolio.
• Direct litigation and settlement strategy in partnership with outside counsel.
• Handle construction, contract, premises liability, habitability, fair housing, and related claims.
• Provide regular updates regarding litigation exposure, status, and outcomes.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Partner with risk management to evaluate coverage for litigation matters.
• Coordinate with insurers and third-party administrators on claims and coverage issues.
• Analyze contractual risk transfer provisions, indemnification requirements, and insurance obligations.
• Monitor litigation trends and recommend risk mitigation strategies.

Construction & Operational Disputes

• Manage construction defect, contractor, subcontractor, and design professional disputes.
• Support resolution of claims through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
• Advise on mechanic's liens, contract disputes, and operational claims.
• Collaborate with business teams to reduce recurring legal risks.

Compliance & Policy Development

• Research and interpret laws and regulations impacting multifamily operations.
• Monitor legal developments and update policies and practices accordingly.
• Develop procedures and training materials designed to reduce claims and support compliance.
• Partner with stakeholders to strengthen loss prevention initiatives.

Leadership & Partnership

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership and business teams.
• Collaborate with operations, construction, development, property management, and risk management teams.
• Align legal recommendations with business objectives and enterprise risk considerations.
• Support a proactive approach to legal risk management throughout the organization.

Why You'll Love Fairfield

We're all about creating communities that people are proud to call home. Being a part of Fairfield means more than a rewarding career with personal growth. It's a partnership, working alongside colleagues in an open-dialogue environment that encourages growth and the sharing of ideas. We know that our associates are a key ingredient to our success, and we're proud to reflect that in our culture.

• Driven by Vision: We are a vertically integrated operator and investment manager in the multifamily sector with in-house development, construction, acquisition, and property and asset management services. As we continue to grow, we want you to grow with us.
• Career Growth & Learning: Fairfield values new ideas at every level. We offer training, coaching, and mentoring to help associates develop their careers and inspire them to create change for the better.
• Culture of Collaboration: Enjoy a professional, supportive environment where we work together to drive meaningful impact.
• A Company that Cares: We are proud to offer robust benefit packages with a focus on both quality of care and affordability. We offer competitive compensation plans, 401(k) matching, and paid time off, including sick days and volunteer time off (VTO) to support causes that matter to you.

What We're Looking For

Education & Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
• Admission to practice law in California required.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience at a mid-sized or large law firm, corporate legal department, or a combination of both, with at least 3 years of in-house or portfolio-level litigation management experience.
• Experience managing complex litigation matters, including construction defect, personal injury, premises liability, contract disputes, and property management operations claims such as tenant disputes, fair housing, and habitability matters.
• Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel across multiple jurisdictions and litigation forums.
• Experience evaluating insurance coverage and coordinating with insurers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and cross-functional business teams on risk-sensitive matters.

Skills & Competencies

• Litigation Management
• Construction Defect Litigation Expertise
• Insurance Coverage Analysis
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Dispute Resolution and Negotiation
• Outside Counsel Management
• Contract Risk Transfer Analysis
• Strategic Legal Advisory
• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
• Fair Housing and Landlord-Tenant Law Knowledge
• Legal Research and Interpretation
• Policy Development and Loss Prevention
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Business Acumen and Commercial Judgment
• Executive Communication and Influence

Estimated Rate of Pay

$250,000.00 - $280,000.00
This position is exempt; the range above reflects annual salary.

In addition to base salary, Fairfield offers all full time associates the following, upon meeting eligibility requirements:

• Paid time off, paid holidays and sick days, paid time off for volunteering activities (optional)
• Matched 401(k)
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance

* Pay range is a calculation based on a midpoint price. Fairfield complies with all wage and hour laws, including minimum wage and salary exempt requirements.

Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with others, including supervisors; adhere to performance standards despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations. Pursuant to the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinances, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable law, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.