Associate Attorney – Construction Defect Litigation

Associate Attorney – Construction Defect LitigationLocation: Santa Ana, CaliforniaExperience Level: 0–7+ Years (Entry-level and lateral candidates encouraged to apply) Compensation: $120,000 – $190,000 depending on experienceThe OpportunityOur client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Attorney to join their premier Construction Defect practice group. This is a unique "any experience" opening: we are equally interested in Entry-Level Attorneys eager to build a career in a specialized field, and Lateral Associates from other litigation backgrounds (such as General Liability or PI) looking to pivot into complex, multi-party construction disputes.For junior candidates, we provide a robust mentorship program and a clear path toward independent case handling. For experienced candidates, we offer a high-level caseload with opportunities for trial experience and client management.Key ResponsibilitiesCase Management: Manage all phases of construction defect litigation, representing developers, general contractors, or subcontractors in residential and commercial disputes.Discovery: Draft and respond to discovery requests, including complex document productions involving blueprints, job files, and inspection reports.Depositions: Prepare for and conduct depositions of plaintiffs, expert witnesses (engineers, architects), and site personnel.Expert Collaboration: Work closely with forensic experts to identify structural deficiencies, water intrusion issues, and standard-of-care violations.Advocacy: Draft and argue substantive motions (Demurrers, Summary Judgment) and attend court hearings and mediations.Reporting: Maintain proactive communication with insurance carriers and clients, providing clear analysis of liability and exposure.RequirementsCredentials: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license in good standing with the California Bar.Litigation Interest: A strong desire to master the "nuts and bolts" of construction—you must be comfortable learning how buildings are built and where they fail.Writing Skills: Exceptional research and writing skills are required for handling the dense motion practice characteristic of construction law.Organization: Ability to thrive in a high-volume environment where cases involve dozens of parties and thousands of pages of technical documents.Travel: Willingness to attend on-site inspections and property "walk-throughs" with experts as needed.Preferred Skills (But Not Required)Experience with the Right to Repair Act or similar pre-litigation statutes.Background in engineering, architecture, or construction management.Previous experience in insurance defense or general civil litigation.