Construction Litigation Associate Attorney -OR/WA

Keystone Distinction Group; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 210,000 - 305,000; Full time

Job summary

The AmLaw 100 firm is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Construction Litigation practice in Seattle or Portland. The role focuses on representing public owners, developers, architects, engineers, and design professionals in sophisticated construction matters, blending litigation with project counseling, contract development, and dispute resolution for major projects.

Qualified candidates hold a JD from a top-tier law school, active bar admission in WA or OR, 3–5 years in construction

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with a strong academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in Washington or Oregon, in good standing, or ability to waive in.
• 3–5 years of substantive experience in construction law.
• Experience representing public owners, developers, architects, engineers, and/or design firms in complex construction matters.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in complex construction litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts and related project documentation.
• Draft pleadings, prepare discovery, and manage motion practice in high-stakes litigation.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.
• Advise owners, developers, architects, engineers, and design professionals on legal issues arising throughout the lifecycle of construction projects.
• Manage cases through all stages of litigation, including fact development, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and appeals.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
• Develop case strategies and collaborate with partners on high-stakes disputes.

Skills

Drafting

Discovery

Motion practice

Court appearances

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from a top-tier law school

Job description

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Location: Portland, OR / Seattle, WA

A prestigious AmLaw 100 firm is seeking a skilled and driven Associate Attorney to join its highly regarded Construction Litigation practice in Seattle or Portland. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a premier team representing public owners, developers, architects, engineers, and design professionals in complex construction matters. The practice offers a sophisticated mix of litigation and project counseling work, including contract development and dispute resolution for major construction projects.

Candidate Profile

• JD from a top-tier law school with a strong academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in Washington or Oregon, in good standing, or the ability to waive in, is required.
• 3-5 years of substantive experience in construction law.
• Experience representing public owners, developers, architects, engineers, and/or design firms in complex construction matters
• Litigation Experience: Excel in drafting, discovery, motion practice, and court appearances for complex business disputes.
• Strong background in construction litigation and construction contract development
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple matters effectively
• Soft Skills: Excellent writing, research, and interpersonal skills

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in complex construction litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution proceedings
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts and related project documentation
• Draft pleadings, prepare discovery, and manage motion practice in high-stakes litigation.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients in a fast-paced, team-driven environment
• Advise owners, developers, architects, engineers, and design professionals on legal issues arising throughout the lifecycle of construction projects

• Manage cases through all stages of litigation, including fact development, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and appeals
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents
• Develop case strategies and collaborate with partners on high-stakes disputes

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to join one of the nation's leading construction litigation practice and work on sophisticated, high-profile matters involving complex construction projects. Attorneys in this group enjoy meaningful client interaction, substantial responsibility, and direct exposure to challenging legal issues from the outset. The firm fosters a collegial and collaborative culture that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth, providing attorneys with the resources and support needed to build a thriving practice.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Includes an annual salary range of $210,000 – $305,000, commensurate with experience and market conditions.
• Profit-sharing bonus program.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan; health and dependent care flexible spending accounts; health savings account; firm-subsidized emergency child and elder care; parental leave; an employee assistance program; and pre‑tax transportation benefits.
• Additional perks include fertility benefits, 16 weeks of paid childcare leave, and professional development resources, among others.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and law school transcript for consideration.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.