Senior Litigation Attorney

SkyWater Search Partners; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyWater Search Partners represents a respected Minneapolis litigation firm seeking a seasoned litigator to lead construction, real estate, and complex commercial disputes. You will manage matters from the initial client call through trial, arbitration, or appeal, with a path to partnership for the right candidate.

The role emphasizes independent case management, strong writing, and direct client engagement, mentoring junior attorneys, and contributing to client development in a collegial,

Qualifications

• JD and active Minnesota bar license required.
• 10+ years of litigation experience with focus on construction and/or real estate disputes.
• Demonstrated first-chair trial experience and comfort in arbitration.

Responsibilities

• Manage a docket of construction and construction-related disputes, including payment claims, delay and change order disputes, defect claims, mechanic's liens, and warranty claims.
• Handle real estate litigation, business and shareholder disputes, and related commercial matters.
• Serve as lead or first-chair counsel in bench trials, jury trials, and arbitrations.
• Represent contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, developers, and insurers in pre-litigation negotiations, mediation, and formal proceedings.
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, and manage discovery and expert work.

Skills

Litigation

First-chair trial

Client development

Legal writing

Arbitration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Minnesota Bar License

Job description

Our client is a well-regarded Minneapolis litigation firm known for handling high-stakes disputes for businesses, contractors, property owners, and insurers. The firm offers a collegial, trial-focused environment where experienced attorneys run their own matters, work directly with clients, and have a meaningful voice in case strategy.

The Opportunity
The firm is looking for a seasoned litigator to join its team and take a lead role in construction, real estate, and complex commercial disputes. This is a hands-on position for someone who is comfortable running a case from the first client call through trial, arbitration, or appeal, with a path to partnership for the right candidate.

What You'll Do

• Manage a docket of construction and construction-related disputes, including payment claims, delay and change order disputes, defect claims, mechanic's liens, and warranty claims.
• Handle real estate litigation, business and shareholder disputes, and related commercial matters.
• Serve as lead or first-chair counsel in bench trials, jury trials, and arbitrations.
• Represent contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, developers, and insurers in pre-litigation negotiations, mediation, and formal proceedings.
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, and manage discovery and expert work.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to client development.

What You Bring

• JD and active Minnesota bar license
• 10+ years of litigation experience, with a substantial focus on construction and/or real estate disputes.
• Demonstrated first-chair trial experience and comfort in arbitration.
• Strong writing skills; law review, clerkship, or judicial externship experience is valued.
• Ability to manage matters independently and build trusted relationships with business clients.
• Portable business is welcome but not required.