Construction Litigation Associate

Frederick Fox; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick Fox, based in California, seeks an experienced Construction Litigation Associate to join a dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will independently manage complex construction defense matters from inception through resolution and will possess strong legal writing and oral advocacy abilities.

The role requires 5–7 years in construction defense litigation, thorough knowledge of construction law, and the ability to handle cases with minimal supervision while coordinating with clients

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in construction defense litigation or related practice.
• Strong knowledge of construction law and construction contracts.
• Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational and client communication skills.
• Willingness to travel as required for client meetings, hearings, depositions, mediations, and other proceedings.
• U.S. citizenship, if required by the position or applicable client matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of construction-related litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies based on the facts, applicable law, contracts, and client objectives.
• Represent clients in construction disputes, including claims involving defects, delays, payment disputes, contract issues, and other construction-related matters.
• Conduct legal research and analysis involving construction law, contracts, and applicable statutes and regulations.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, briefs, memoranda, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trial proceedings.
• Review and analyze construction contracts, project documents, correspondence, change orders, plans, specifications, and other relevant records.
• Work with experts and consultants to evaluate technical and financial aspects of construction disputes.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings when appropriate.
• Monitor case developments, deadlines, budgets, and litigation strategy throughout each matter.

Skills

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Analytical thinking

Client communication

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from ABA-accredited law school

Active California Bar membership

Job description

Construction Litigation Associate

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Construction Litigation Associate to join a dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction defense litigation and the ability to independently manage complex matters from initial assessment through resolution.

This role is well suited for a highly analytical and detail-oriented attorney with excellent legal writing and oral advocacy skills who can effectively represent clients in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will work closely with clients, attorneys, experts, and other stakeholders to develop effective litigation strategies and achieve favorable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Litigation

• Manage a caseload of construction-related litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies based on the facts, applicable law, contracts, and client objectives.
• Represent clients in construction disputes, including claims involving defects, delays, payment disputes, contract issues, and other construction-related matters.
• Conduct legal research and analysis involving construction law, contracts, and applicable statutes and regulations.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, briefs, memoranda, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trial proceedings.
• Review and analyze construction contracts, project documents, correspondence, change orders, plans, specifications, and other relevant records.
• Work with experts and consultants to evaluate technical and financial aspects of construction disputes.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings when appropriate.
• Monitor case developments, deadlines, budgets, and litigation strategy throughout each matter.

Client Management

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to clients regarding construction disputes and litigation risks.
• Communicate case developments, legal strategies, risks, and potential outcomes clearly and effectively.
• Develop strong professional relationships with clients and understand their business and legal objectives.
• Provide practical, business-focused legal advice while protecting client interests.

Case & Practice Management

• Independently manage multiple litigation matters while maintaining high standards of quality and responsiveness.
• Maintain accurate case files, calendars, budgets, and documentation.
• Meet court, client, and internal deadlines consistently.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, and other legal professionals.
• Contribute to the development of litigation strategies, legal research, and practice initiatives.
• Stay current on developments in construction law, litigation procedures, and relevant regulations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active California Bar membership in good standing.
• 5-7 years of experience in construction defense litigation or a closely related litigation practice.
• Strong knowledge of construction law and construction contracts.
• Experience handling construction disputes and related litigation matters.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a litigation caseload.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to develop effective litigation strategies and achieve favorable client outcomes.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, competing priorities, and strict deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and client communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while collaborating effectively with a legal team.
• Willingness to travel as required for client meetings, hearings, depositions, mediations, and other proceedings.
• U.S. citizenship, if required by the position or applicable client matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience defending contractors, subcontractors, developers, engineers, architects, or other construction industry professionals.
• Experience handling construction defect, contract, delay, payment, indemnity, or professional liability disputes.
• Experience with mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Familiarity with construction project documentation, including plans, specifications, change orders, schedules, and payment records.
• Established relationships with construction industry professionals, experts, or consultants.