Habitability - Associate Attorney

Overview

This position involves defending property owners, landlords, property management companies, and other clients in Superior Court litigation related to habitability (mold, code defects), Wrongful Eviction, and Premises Liability claims. Cases may overlap with construction defect and often require navigating rent stabilization acts to evaluate exposure.

The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience and the ability to manage matters from inception through resolution. Familiarity with the San Francisco, Alameda County, and Los Angeles County tenant protection ordinance is also desired.

This role offers a flexible, hybrid or remote working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, discovery, and other legal documents
• Handle court appearances, depositions, mediations, and other litigation events
• Manage a litigation caseload as part of a collaborative team, with a level of independence based on experience
• Develop case strategy, evaluate liability and damages, and work toward efficient resolution of matters
• Communicate with clients, carriers, experts, opposing counsel, and witnesses
• Prepare status reports, case evaluations, and other client-facing updates
• Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice areas

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in California
• 2+ years of litigation experience required
• Experience drafting discovery, pleadings, dispositive motions, and pretrial motions required
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, mediations, and expert discovery preferred
• Superior analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in habitability, landlord-tenant, premises liability, insurance defense, or related litigation
• Experience coordinating inspections and working with construction, building, environmental, or medical experts
• Experience with cases involving multiple defendants, property managers, contractors, maintenance companies, or insurers
• Experience cross-examining plaintiffs, fact witnesses, and/or experts

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $145,000—$210,000 USD
• Discretionary bonuses: eligible
• Full-time role with benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Benefit participation details provided upon employment offer

Compensation decisions consider factors including experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, and other factors permitted by law. Final salary may be outside the stated range based on individual circumstances.

Location

San Francisco Office

Hybrid, flexible, or remote working arrangement available.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence, and decisions will be made without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.