Senior Commercial Litigation Counsel

Cairncross; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Cairncross & Hempelmann, a Seattle-based full-service law firm, is seeking a Senior Commercial Litigation Counsel with deep experience in real estate, business disputes, and complex contracts. The candidate will lead complex litigation from inception through trial, manage multiple matters and clients, and coordinate with paralegals and staff to ensure thorough discovery and persuasive filings.

WSBA membership and a JD are essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate and JD degrees from accredited institutions.
• Current WSBA membership.
• At least 10 years of experience in complex litigation.
• Experience leading and managing complex cases through trial.

Responsibilities

• Manage matters and clients independently, directing case strategy.
• Work with multiple clients and cases concurrently.
• Produce persuasive pleadings, motions, briefs, and client correspondence.
• Prepare discovery and respond to requests.
• Attend and manage hearings, ADR, and court proceedings.
• Supervise paralegals and staff on complex litigation workflows.
• Communicate effectively with clients, courts, and counsel.
• Maintain attention to detail and high-quality work under deadlines.

Skills

Complex litigation

Case management

Strategic thinking

Client communication

Education

Undergraduate degree

JD degree

Job description

CH& Senior Commercial Litigation Counsel

Senior Commercial Litigation Counsel

Cairncross & Hempelmann ("CH&") is a full-service law firm in Seattle that advises our diverse client base in litigation, bankruptcy, business, land use, and real estate. Our hallmark culture hinges upon respect, collegiality, and genuine care which extends to all CH& employees, as well as to our clients and their teams.

We are seeking a Senior Commercial Litigation Counsel to join our dynamic litigation group. The ideal candidate will have experience with real estate litigation, business disputes and complex contracts, construction litigation, design professional liability claims, and policyholders' insurance coverage in state and federal court, and meet the following basic requirements:

• Undergraduate and JD degrees from accredited academic institutions
• Current WSBA membership
• At least 10 years of experience in complex litigation
• Experience leading and managing complex cases from start to finish, including through trial

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Ability to manage matters and clients independently, including directing case strategy and direction.
• Ability to work with multiple clients simultaneously and effectively manage responsibilities for different cases.
• Utilize strong written and critical thinking skills that lead to comprehensive and persuasive writing of pleadings, motions, briefs, and client correspondence.
• Prepare discovery and respond to requests.
• Attend and manage hearings, ADR, and court proceedings.
• Handle communications with clients, courts, and counsel.
• Manage paralegals and staff teams to support document and ESI functions in complex litigation.
• Professional interaction with others in-person, in virtual meetings, and through email and phone, using critical thinking and listening skills.
• Ability to handle complex problems utilizing initiative, creativity, and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail and produce high-quality work.
• Ability to thrive in a high-demand, fast-paced environment and meet short deadlines.

Secondary Functions:

• Attend Litigation Group and other meetings and firm events, as required.
• Participate in business development activities and initiatives.
• Initiate and respond to phone calls, emails, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Our firm is committed to racial equality and social justice and upholds the CH& Racial Equality & Social Justice Plan that invites all attorneys and staff to engage, take action, and continue to broaden diversity and awareness in our communities. The CH& Diversity Team was started in 2004 and drives the firm’s initiatives and action. For more information, go to Diversity | Cairncross & Hempelmann .

Anticipated minimum annual base pay compensation range is $200,000 - $350,000. For this senior attorney role, we are open to discussing a wide range of compensation arrangements, including additional base salary, annual performance incentives and bonuses, and potential partnership track considerations. The final package will be tailored to reflect the candidate’s qualifications, portable business, and professional goals.