Associate General Counsel - Litigation

The Associate General Counsel - Litigation serves as a key legal advisor responsible for managing Fairfield’s litigation portfolio and supporting risk management initiatives across property operations, construction, development, and general contracting activities. This role partners closely with executive leadership and business teams to protect the organization’s interests while balancing legal strategy with business objectives.

This position is based at our corporate office in San Diego, CA, with a hybrid work arrangement that includes regular in-office attendance. To support this schedule, candidates must be located within commuting distance of our Sorrento Valley office.

Below is a snapshot of what this role is all about. While there is more to it, this is the core focus.

Litigation Management

• Manage and oversee litigation and dispute resolution matters across the portfolio.
• Direct litigation and settlement strategy in partnership with outside counsel.
• Handle construction, contract, premises liability, habitability, fair housing, and related claims.
• Provide regular updates regarding litigation exposure, status, and outcomes.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Partner with risk management to evaluate coverage for litigation matters.
• Coordinate with insurers and third-party administrators on claims and coverage issues.
• Analyze contractual risk transfer provisions, indemnification requirements, and insurance obligations.
• Monitor litigation trends and recommend risk mitigation strategies.

Construction & Operational Disputes

• Manage construction defect, contractor, subcontractor, and design professional disputes.
• Support resolution of claims through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
• Advise on mechanic's liens, contract disputes, and operational claims.
• Collaborate with business teams to reduce recurring legal risks.

Compliance & Policy Development

• Research and interpret laws and regulations impacting multifamily operations.
• Monitor legal developments and update policies and practices accordingly.
• Develop procedures and training materials designed to reduce claims and support compliance.
• Partner with stakeholders to strengthen loss prevention initiatives.

Leadership & Partnership

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership and business teams.
• Collaborate with operations, construction, development, property management, and risk management teams.
• Align legal recommendations with business objectives and enterprise risk considerations.
• Support a proactive approach to legal risk management throughout the organization.

Education & Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar.
• Admission to practice law in California required.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience at a mid-sized or large law firm, corporate legal department, or a combination of both, with at least 3 years of in-house or portfolio-level litigation management experience.
• Experience managing complex litigation matters, including construction defect, personal injury, premises liability, contract disputes, and property management operations claims such as tenant disputes, fair housing, and habitability matters.
• Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel across multiple jurisdictions and litigation forums.
• Experience evaluating insurance coverage and coordinating with insurers, brokers, and third-party administrators.
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and cross-functional business teams on risk-sensitive matters.

Skills & Competencies

• Litigation Management
• Construction Defect Litigation Expertise
• Insurance Coverage Analysis
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Dispute Resolution and Negotiation
• Outside Counsel Management
• Contract Risk Transfer Analysis
• Strategic Legal Advisory
• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
• Fair Housing and Landlord-Tenant Law Knowledge
• Legal Research and Interpretation
• Policy Development and Loss Prevention
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Business Acumen and Commercial Judgment
• Executive Communication and Influence

Ready to make an impact? Apply today!

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The pay range displayed for this position is determined by skills and experience required, location and job complexity*. Potential job offers may vary based on the skills, education, and experience an individual candidate holds. This range reflects base rate only, and does not include allowances, perks, commissions or bonuses applicable to this position (if any). In addition to base salary, Fairfield offers all full time associates the following, upon meeting eligibility requirements: 

• Paid time off, paid holidays and sick days, paid time off for volunteering activities (optional) 
• Matched 401(k) 
• Medical, dental & vision insurance 
• Flexible spending account 
• Life insurance 

* Pay range is a calculation based on a midpoint price. Fairfield complies with all wage and hour laws, including minimum wage and salary exempt requirements.