Senior Litigation Associate

HNE; California (MO); On-site; USD 190,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

HNE is seeking a California-licensed litigation attorney to join its growing mortgage and real estate litigation team. You will manage cases from inception through resolution and serve as a strategic advisor to financial clients.

You will handle a diverse caseload, develop defense strategies, represent clients in court, and collaborate with experienced colleagues to deliver practical, client-focused solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar membership.
• Experience handling civil litigation through all stages.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation from inception through resolution for mortgage servicing, foreclosure, title, and real estate matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs and other litigation documents.
• Oversee discovery, depositions, and related motion practice.
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, and court appearances.
• Provide strategic guidance and practical legal advice to clients.
• Collaborate with paralegals and staff to ensure efficient case management.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Time management

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking a Litigation Attorney licensed in California to join a growing litigation team handling matters involving mortgage servicing, foreclosure, title disputes, and residential real estate litigation. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys managing cases from inception through resolution while serving as a strategic legal advisor to clients in the mortgage and real estate industries.

The successful candidate will be responsible for handling a diverse caseload of litigated and pre-litigation matters, developing defense strategies, representing clients in court, and providing practical legal guidance. This role offers significant autonomy, direct client interaction, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced legal professionals in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of litigation arising from mortgage servicing, foreclosure, title, and residential real estate matters.
• Handle pre-litigation matters and assist with resolving title issues affecting real property.
• Analyze claims, evaluate legal exposure, and provide strategic recommendations to clients.
• Draft and file pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
• Manage all phases of discovery, including written discovery, document review, depositions, and related motion practice.
• Take and defend depositions as part of ongoing litigation strategy.
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and other court proceedings.
• Communicate case developments, legal analysis, and strategic recommendations to clients.
• Research and analyze applicable statutes, regulations, case law, and evolving legal issues affecting mortgage servicing and foreclosure litigation.
• Manage case files and litigation deadlines while ensuring compliance with court rules and client requirements.
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure efficient case management and exceptional client service.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar and in good standing.
• Experience handling civil litigation matters through all stages of the litigation process.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Experience with hearings, depositions, mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances.
• Ability to consistently meet a billable requirement of 1,920 hours annually.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling foreclosure, mortgage servicing, title, real estate, creditor rights, or related litigation matters.
• Knowledge of the foreclosure process and applicable legal requirements.
• Experience representing mortgage lenders, servicers, financial institutions, investors, or related clients.
• Knowledge of consumer protection statutes, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
• Experience managing litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Ability to assess legal risks and develop practical, business-focused solutions.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume litigation environment.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining high-quality work product.
• Commitment to professionalism, client service, teamwork, and continuous professional development.