Stoel Rives LLP

Mid-Level Construction & Design Associate

Stoel Rives LLP$220K — $280K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school with admission to the Washington State bar or waiver eligibility.
  • 3-5 years of litigation experience in an AmLaw 200 firm or regional litigation boutique, focused on construction-related disputes.
  • Experience managing discovery and drafting complex motions independently or with limited supervision.
  • Prior experience in trial, arbitration, or hearings is strongly preferred.
  • Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills, especially in translating complex issues into clear arguments.

Responsibilities

  • Manage discovery and draft complex legal motions.
  • Take and defend depositions in construction-related litigation.
  • Collaborate with partners and clients on case strategy and execution.
  • Supervise junior team members while fostering their professional development.
  • Contribute to a positive firm culture through pro bono and community activities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive training programs and retreats for skill development.
  • Coaching and mentoring programs for career growth.
  • New lawyer integration resources for successful onboarding.
  • Commitment to diversity in hiring and workplace culture.
  • Participation in the ABA Well-Being Pledge to support employee wellness.
Full Job Description
Stoel Rives is seeking an associate with three to five years of experience to join its Real Estate practice group in the Seattle office.

Experience
  • J.D. from an accredited law school and admission in good standing to the Washington State bar (or eligibility for waiver admission).
  • Three to five years of litigation experience at an AmLaw 200 firm, regional litigation boutique, or equivalent, with experience in construction, design professional liability, surety, or related infrastructure disputes.
  • Demonstrated experience managing discovery, taking and defending depositions, and drafting complex motions independently or with limited supervision.
  • Prior trial, arbitration, or hearing experience strongly preferred.


Core Competencies
  • Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and contractual issues into clear, persuasive legal arguments.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative working style with the demonstrated ability to supervise junior team members and work effectively with partners, clients, and co-counsel.
  • High degree of professional judgment, client-service orientation, and commitment to quality.


Technical & Substantive Knowledge
  • Preferred but not required is some familiarity with standard-form construction contracts (AIA, ConsensusDocs, EJCDC); key legal frameworks governing construction disputes, including mechanics' lien and bond law, performance and payment bond claims, and design professional standard of care; and construction scheduling, delay analysis methodologies (e.g., as-planned vs. as-built, time impact analysis), and construction cost accounting concepts.


Hours Expectations & Compensation

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an "all-in" hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm's workplace culture, and civic and community activities.

To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.

The base compensation range for this position is $220,000 - $280,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.

Developing & Retaining Talent

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.

To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here.

Principals only, no recruiters, please.

About Stoel Rives LLP

Stoel Rives LLP is a U.S. law firm, with a full suite of transactional and litigation solutions for U.S. and international clients. Established in 1907, the firm has nearly 400 attorneys operating out of 11 offices in seven states and the District of Columbia. The firm provides legal services to clients in a wide range of industries including energy, real estate, land use, construction, natural resources, environmental, litigation, corporate and intellectual property law. The firm has been recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and for its pro bono work.
Learn more about Stoel Rives LLP
Size
400 employees
Industry
Founded
1907

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