Job Openings
Real Estate Litigation Associate
About the job Real Estate Litigation Associate
Real Estate Litigation Associate
Location: Hybrid – San Jose or Pleasanton, CA
Compensation: $145,000 – $165,000 base salary + bonus
Billable Target: 1,700 hours
Employment Type: Full-Time
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
HireNow Staffing is partnering with a respected, multi-service law firm in the Bay Area to identify a seasoned and skilled Real Estate Litigation Associate. This role is ideal for a junior-to-midlevel litigator who wants meaningful responsibility, regular courtroom exposure, and the opportunity to build a long-term career within a collaborative, mid-sized firm.
This position focuses primarily on real estate disputes, with the opportunity to contribute to broader litigation matters across the firm. Candidates must meet the core litigation and real estate experience requirements to be considered for interview.
The Opportunity
This role offers early and consistent involvement in active litigation matters rather than peripheral or document-only work. Associates are trusted with real responsibility, client interaction, and court-facing work, while receiving guidance from experienced partners invested in long-term development.
The firm values practical judgment, strong writing, and attorneys who want to grow their skills within a stable and supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform the following responsibilities to be considered:
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Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support litigation strategy
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Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation documents
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Manage assigned matters with appropriate supervision, including client communication and case organization
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Assist with all phases of litigation involving real estate disputes, including pre-trial preparation and trial support
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Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations
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Appear in court as appropriate for motions, case management conferences, and related proceedings
Required Qualifications
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Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
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Active membership in the State Bar of California
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2–3 years of litigation experience, with a meaningful focus on real estate disputes
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Hands-on exposure to property litigation, landlord–tenant matters, development disputes, or construction-adjacent litigation
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Strong working knowledge of the California Code of Civil Procedure and Evidence Code
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Experience drafting pleadings, discovery, and motions in state court
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Background in California private practice, preferably within a regional or boutique litigation firm
Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Emphasized)
Candidates meeting these criteria will receive priority consideration.
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Experience handling unlawful detainers, partition actions, or mechanics lien matters
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Courtroom experience, including arguing motions or taking/defending depositions
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Familiarity with real estate–specific procedural rules and timelines
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Experience at a California boutique, regional firm, government practice, or Am Law 200 firm
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Demonstrated interest in building a long-term practice focused on real estate litigation
What Will Not Be a Fit
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Candidates with no real estate litigation exposure
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Attorneys with purely transactional or in-house-only backgrounds
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Commercial litigators without property, landlord-tenant, or construction-related experience
Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive base salary: $145,000 – $165,000
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Bonus eligibility
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Comprehensive benefits package, including:
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Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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401(k) plan
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Student loan repayment benefit
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Paid parental leave
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Teleworking opportunities
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No-accrual vacation policy
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Why This Role Stands Out
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Meaningful litigation responsibility early in your career
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Consistent exposure to court proceedings and real-world disputes
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Supportive, collaborative firm culture with long-term growth potential
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Manageable billable target with an emphasis on quality over volume
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Hybrid flexibility in a desirable Bay Area location