Government Associate (1-2 Years of Experience)

Hanson Bridgett LLP; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanson Bridgett LLP in San Francisco seeks an attorney with up to two years of practice experience, including recent law school graduates, to join our Government Section. The ideal candidate will handle transactions, advice & counsel, and/or litigation for public and private clients.

The role includes researching and drafting contracts and policies, and collaborating with partners in a dynamic team. This hybrid position is ideally based in our San Francisco office with opportunities for regular

Qualifications

• CA Bar admission is required.
• Experience or exposure to public agency matters, water and transit issues is desirable.
• Strong research, writing and communication skills are essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Assist with legal matters for public agency clients, including bidding, procurement, contracting and rate setting.
• Provide advice & counsel and support litigation for public and private clients.
• Conduct legal research, draft policies and resolutions, and analyze water, public works and environmental issues.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Team player

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

We are seeking an attorney with up to two years of practice experience, including recent law school graduates, with an interest in public agency and/or water and transit issues to join our robust Government Section. The ideal candidate (JD 2025-2026) will have some experience or exposure to transactions, advice & counsel, and/or litigation work for public or private clients, though demonstrated experience is a plus rather than a requirement. Prior experience working with or for a public agency is also a plus, but not required. This is an excellent opportunity to work closely with partners and senior attorneys as part of a collaborative team with an energetic practice spanning the state of California. The responsibilities include assisting with legal matters for public agency clients, including competitive bidding and procurement, public works contracting, alternative project delivery, transparency and open meeting laws, conflict of interest issues, and rate setting, including Proposition 218 analysis. The role also involves legal research and writing; reviewing and drafting contracts; drafting policies and resolutions; analyzing issues including water law, public works and environmental aspects of client projects; and assisting in advising clients. The attorney will support transactions, advice & counsel, and/or litigation matters for public and private clients. Eventually this position will also include in person client meeting attendance in the SF Bay Area. The position also provides opportunities to participate in business development efforts, including speaking, writing, conference attendance, and networking with trade associations and professional organizations. The ability to thrive in a fast paced environment, be entrepreneurial, and develop your own niche and eventually your own clients is also important.

This is a hybrid position ideally based in our San Francisco office, with preference given to candidates who are able to work from SF or another Bay Area office on a regular basis. The annual base compensation range for this California position is approximately $185,000 -$195,000. Placement within the salary range depends upon a number of factors including, but not limited to years of experience and professional skills required for this role.

Hanson Bridgett is recognized for its commitment to collaboration, diversity, and innovative legal solutions. Join us and work on impactful projects in a collegial environment that values your expertise and professional growth.

Ideal candidates will have a distinguished academic background and impeccable references. CA Bar required. Strong research, writing and communication skills, high level of analytical skills as well as excellent and highly adaptable communication skills are required. We seek intelligent, entrepreneurial, team players who are practical, problem solvers, ambitious, organized and detail oriented and are looking towards partnership with Hanson Bridgett.

We are an EEO employer and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.