Lead Construction & Real Estate Litigator — First-Chair

SkyWater Search Partners; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a well-regarded Minneapolis litigation firm, seeks a seasoned litigator to lead construction, real estate, and complex commercial disputes. This hands-on role covers everything from initial client intake to trial, arbitration, or appeal, with a path to partnership for the right candidate.

You will manage a docket spanning construction disputes, real estate matters, and related commercial issues, serving as lead or first-chair in various proceedings and mentoring junior attorneys.

Qualifications

• JD and active Minnesota bar license.
• 10+ years of litigation experience with focus on construction and/or real estate.
• Demonstrated first-chair trial experience and comfort in arbitration.
• Strong writing skills; law review, clerkship, or judicial externship experience is valued.
• Ability to manage matters independently and build trusted relationships with business clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage a docket of construction and construction-related disputes, including payment claims, delay and change order disputes, defect claims, mechanic’s liens, and warranty claims.
• Handle real estate litigation, business and shareholder disputes, and related commercial matters.
• Serve as lead or first-chair counsel in bench trials, jury trials, and arbitrations.
• Represent contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, developers, and insurers in pre-litigation negotiations, mediation, and formal proceedings.
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, and manage discovery and expert work.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to client development.

Skills

Litigation experience

First-chair trial

Legal writing

Client relations

Education

JD and Minnesota Bar License

Job description

Our client, a well-regarded Minneapolis litigation firm, seeks a seasoned litigator to lead construction, real estate, and complex commercial disputes. This hands-on role covers everything from initial client intake to trial, arbitration, or appeal, with a path to partnership for the right candidate.

You will manage a docket spanning construction disputes, real estate matters, and related commercial issues, serving as lead or first-chair in various proceedings and mentoring junior attorneys.