Mid-Level Construction & Design Associate

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

Job summary

Stoel Rives LLP is seeking an associate with 3-5 years of experience to join its Real Estate practice group in Seattle. Candidates must have a J.D. and bar admission, along with strong litigation skills, particularly in construction disputes.

Compensation ranges from $220,000 to $280,000, and includes a billable hours expectation of 1,800. The firm values advocacy skills, analytical abilities, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of litigation experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or equivalent.
• Experience managing discovery, taking and defending depositions, and drafting complex motions.
• Prior trial, arbitration, or hearing experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with land use, financing, risk allocation, and development.
• Translate complex technical and contractual issues into legal arguments.
• Supervise junior team members and collaborate with partners.

Skills

Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills

Strong analytical and organizational skills

Collaborative working style

High degree of professional judgment

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Admission to the Washington State bar (or waiver eligibility)

Tools

Standard-form construction contracts (AIA, ConsensusDocs, EJCDC)

Job description

About the Role

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

Real Estate & Construction Team

The 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 attorneys assist clients with land use, design, acquisition, disposition, development, financing, risk allocation and insurance assessment, construction, leasing, and sale of commercial, residential, and agricultural properties. Clients know our team for 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 and 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)

• 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.
• Construction scheduling, delay analysis methodologies (e.g., as‑planned vs. as‑built, time impact analysis), and construction cost accounting concepts.

Hours Expectations & Compensation

• Billable hours expectation: 1,800 (including up to 50 pro bono hours).
• All‑in hours expectation: 2,050–2,150 depending on seniority; includes additional billable, pro bono, and investment hours such as business development, professional development, mentoring, recruiting, and community activities.
• Bonus eligibility: must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed all‑in hours expectation.
• Base compensation range: $220,000 – $280,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets; may vary based on skills, experience, and market location.