Mid-Level Construction & Design Associate

Stoel Rives; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoel Rives in Seattle seeks an associate with 3–5 years of experience to join its Real Estate practice. A J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the Washington State Bar is required.

Candidates should have litigation experience in construction, design professional liability, or related disputes, plus ability to manage discovery, depositions, and complex motions. The firm offers a collaborative environment and strong compensation.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and Washington State bar in good standing.
• Three to five years of litigation experience at an AmLaw 200 firm, regional litigation boutique, or equivalent.
• Experience in construction, design professional liability, surety, or related infrastructure disputes.
• Ability to manage discovery, take and defend depositions, and draft complex motions independently or with limited supervision.
• Prior trial, arbitration, or hearing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• (Not provided in HTML)

Skills

Advocacy skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Collaborative teamwork

Client-service orientation

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Admission to Washington State Bar

Job description

Stoel Rives is seeking an associate with three to five years of experience to join its Real Estate practice group in the Seattle office.

Our Real Estate & Construction Team

The Stoel Rives Real Estate & Construction team consists of more than 60 attorneys who provide legal counsel to real estate owners, developers, contractors, investors, and lenders, as well as architects, engineers, and suppliers. Our real estate, development, and construction attorneys assist clients with the land use, design, acquisition, disposition, development, financing, risk allocation and insurance assessment, construction, leasing, and sale of commercial, residential, and agricultural properties. Our clients know our team for their strategic planning, smart advice, practical risk management, and business acumen.

Experience

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission in good standing to the Washington State bar (or eligibility for waiver admission).
• Three to five years of litigation experience at an AmLaw 200 firm, regional litigation boutique, or equivalent, with experience in construction, design professional liability, surety, or related infrastructure disputes.
• Demonstrated experience managing discovery, taking and defending depositions, and drafting complex motions independently or with limited supervision.
• Prior trial, arbitration, or hearing experience strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and contractual issues into clear, persuasive legal arguments.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative working style with the demonstrated ability to supervise junior team members and work effectively with partners, clients, and co-counsel.
• High degree of professional judgment, client-service orientation, and commitment to quality.

Technical & Substantive Knowledge

• Preferred but not required is some familiarity with standard-form construction contracts (AIA, ConsensusDocs, EJCDC); key legal frameworks governing construction disputes, including mechanics’ lien and bond law, performance and payment bond claims, and design professional standard of care; and construction scheduling, delay analysis methodologies (e.g., as-planned vs. as-built, time impact analysis), and construction cost accounting concepts.

Hours Expectations & Compensation

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.

To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.

The base compensation range for this position is $220,000 - $280,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.

Developing & Retaining Talent

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing,and retaining lawyers and business professionals.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.

To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here.

Principals only, no recruiters, please.