Senior Associate Attorney

Hoffman; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Job summary

Hoffman Forde, A.P.C. in San Diego seeks a Senior Associate Attorney with 4–8 years of civil litigation experience, ideally in real estate or complex litigation.

You will work on a litigation team directly with senior attorneys, developing advocacy and courtroom skills in a collaborative, high-caliber environment. This in-office role offers a competitive salary between $165,000 and $195,000 DOE, plus discretionary bonuses and a full suite of benefits, including health, dental and vision

Qualifications

• J.D. and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• 4–8 years of experience in civil litigation (real estate knowledge preferred).
• Knowledge of CA law and procedures.
• Proficiency in drafting pleadings, discovery and documents with attention to detail.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
• Ability to think strategically and possess good negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented and ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong work ethic with ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and support development of case strategy.
• Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial briefs.
• Appear in court for hearings, motions, and trials.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and experts.
• Manage deadlines, filings, and input billing ethically and efficiently.
• Collaborate with the litigation team and work to achieve client goals.

Skills

Legal research

Case strategy

Litigation drafting

Oral advocacy

Client communications

Education

J.D. (State Bar of CA)

Active California Bar

Job description

Hoffman Forde, A.P.C. is a full-service law firm with offices in San Diego’s Banker’s Hill across from Balboa Park and in La Jolla above the Cove. We serve a diverse range of clients in real estate, civil litigation, trusts and estates, and business law. Our culture values collaboration, excellence, and integrity. We provide growth opportunities in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a motivated Senior Associate Attorney with 4–8 years of civil litigation experience (ideally in real estate or complex litigation). You’ll work on a litigation team and directly with senior attorneys, while developing your advocacy and courtroom skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and support development of case strategy.
• Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial briefs.
• Appear in court for hearings, motions, and trials.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and experts.
• Manage deadlines, filings, and input billing ethically and efficiently.
• Collaborate with the litigation team and work to achieve client goals.

Qualifications

• J.D. and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• 4–8 years of experience in civil litigation (real estate knowledge preferred).
• Knowledge of CA law and procedures.
• Proficiency in drafting pleadings, discovery and documents with attention to detail.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
• Ability to think strategically and possess good negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented and ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong work ethic with ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Salary: $165,000 – $195,000 DOE, plus discretionary bonuses.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (affordable plans with firm contribution).
• Vacation, sick leave & paid holidays.
• 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Bar dues, MCLE, and networking/professional development budget.
• Paid parking & firm-sponsored events.

This role is primarily in-office (San Diego) with limited hybrid flexibility.

Hoffman Forde, A.P.C. is an equal opportunity employer.

Hoffman | Forde, A.P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.