Real Estate Associate

Principle Recruiting; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Principle Recruiting is partnering with one of California's premier real estate law firms to fill a Real Estate Construction Transactional Associate role in Orange County. You will work on design and construction contracts for mixed-use, residential, and retail developments.

The position welcomes candidates from either litigation or transactional backgrounds, with strong drafting and a path toward partnership, mentorship, and long-term growth within a top-tier real estate platform.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of litigation or transactional experience involving construction contracts and related agreements.
• Admission to the California Bar.
• Strong drafting and transaction management skills.
• Construction background preferred; open to litigators or transactional lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Handle design and construction contracts for mixed-use, residential, and retail developments.
• Engage in broad real estate transactions including leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and finance.
• Draft and manage complex contracts; interact with partners and clients.
• Participate in mentorship and in-house real estate academy.

Skills

Litigation/Transactional experience

Construction background

Drafting and transaction management

Client interaction

Education

Bar admission (California)

Job description

Principle Recruiting is partnering with one of California's premier real estate law firms on its search for a Real Estate Construction Transactional Associate in Orange County.

This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded real estate platform that has been ranked in the top tier of California real estate firms by Chambers for 25 consecutive years. The firm serves a sophisticated client base, including major developers, tech companies, and public sector clients, with a broad transactional practice spanning commercial leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, and real estate finance. Its Chambers-ranked construction group handles design and construction contracts for mixed-use, residential, and retail developments across both private and public projects.

This role is also a great fit for litigation associates interested in pivoting into construction transactional work.

What they're looking for:

• 2–5 years of litigation or transactional experience involving design and architect agreements, construction contracts, engineering and consulting agreements, construction licenses and easements, and development and project management agreements
• Construction background strongly preferred; candidates from either litigation or transactional practices are encouraged to apply
• Strong drafting and transaction management skills
• Admission to the California Bar

Why take a hard look at this opportunity:

• 1,950-hour billable requirement
• An in-house real estate academy to help strengthen your foundation
• Broad transactional exposure across multiple areas of real estate
• Hands-on responsibility and direct interaction with partners and clients
• Collaborative, tight-knit practice with strong mentorship
• Long-term growth opportunities and a realistic path to partnership