Public Contracting and Complex Litigation Attorney Associate

Job Description

Job DescriptionDirect Counsel is seeking a Public Contracting & Complex Litigation Associate with 4–6 years of experience representing public agencies to join a sophisticated California public law practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys a combination of transactional public contracting work and complex litigation, particularly matters involving public works, construction disputes, procurement, and municipal representation.

Location

• California – Firmwide (Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, Palm Desert, San Diego, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County)
• Hybrid work arrangement available

Responsibilities

• Advise California cities, counties, special districts, state agencies, and other public entities on contracting and procurement matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate public agency agreements, including:
  • Professional services agreements
  • Engineering contracts
  • Procurement agreements
  • Technology contracts
  • Public works and construction-related agreements
• Handle complex litigation involving California public works and construction projects.
• Manage disputes involving:
  • Construction delays and disruptions
  • Differing site conditions
  • Defective work
  • Surety bond claims
• Assist public agencies with broader litigation and advisory matters.
• Counsel clients regarding California Public Records Act (CPRA) compliance.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other substantive legal documents.
• Work directly with public agency clients to provide practical, strategic guidance.
• Independently manage matters while collaborating with experienced attorneys on complex issues.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of relevant legal experience.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Experience representing California public agencies.
• Experience with public contracting and procurement matters.
• Significant litigation experience involving public works and/or construction disputes.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy abilities.
• Strong judgment and client-service skills.
• Ability to independently manage matters while working effectively within a collaborative team.

Preferred Experience

• Municipal or public agency representation.
• Public works and construction litigation.
• Government procurement and contracting.
• CPRA compliance and advisory matters.
• Surety bond and construction claims.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $165,000–$205,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Discretionary and billable-hours bonus opportunities.
• Reasonable billable-hour expectations.
• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Competitive health benefits.
• 401(k) with partial employer match.
• Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Why This Opportunity

This position offers a unique opportunity to build a practice that combines sophisticated public contracting with substantive complex litigation. Attorneys receive meaningful responsibility, direct interaction with public agency clients, and exposure to challenging public works, construction, procurement, and regulatory matters.

For an attorney looking for high-quality public law work, reasonable billable expectations, strong mentorship, and long-term career growth, this is an excellent opportunity.

Interested? Apply through Direct Counsel or reach out to learn more.