Senior Associate Attorney (Real Estate & Civil Litigation, 4–8 Years Experience)

Hoffman Forde; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Vacation, sick leave & paid holidays

Bar dues, MCLE, and networking budget

Job summary

Hoffman Forde, A.P.C. seeks a Senior Associate Attorney in San Diego with 4–8 years of civil litigation experience, preferably in real estate or complex litigation. You will work on a litigation team, advancing advocacy skills while handling cases directly with senior attorneys.

The role emphasizes drafting pleadings and motions, court appearances, client communication, and collaboration within a fast-paced environment. In-office with limited hybrid flexibility, competitive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• J.D. and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• 4–8 years of civil litigation experience (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

Civil litigation

Legal research

Drafting

Advocacy

Education

J.D. / 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.
• 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.

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

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