Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney – Land Use & Property Litigation

Location: Gig Harbor, Washington
Compensation: $120,000 – $135,000 Depending on Experience

About the Firm

We are a small, established law firm in Gig Harbor, Washington, focused on land use, real property, easements, boundary disputes, trespass/timber trespass, HOA disputes, permitting and code violations, constitutional issues and related civil litigation. Gig Harbor is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most desirable waterfront communities, offering a unique combination of small-town charm, natural beauty, and easy access to Tacoma and Seattle. Known for its historic downtown, scenic harbor, vibrant arts community, and abundant outdoor recreation, Gig Harbor provides an exceptional quality of life. Residents enjoy boating, hiking, kayaking, and waterfront dining, as well as highly regarded schools and a strong sense of community.

Our practice involves sophisticated and challenging legal issues and provides attorneys with significant responsibility, direct client contact, and courtroom experience. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced attorney seeking autonomy, a collegial environment, and the potential to assume increasing responsibility with the possibility of taking over the practice in the future.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Associate Attorney with between 3 and 5 years of experience who can independently manage cases. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, organized, and capable of handling complex legal matters with minimal supervision while providing exceptional service to clients. Experience working in land use and property law is not a requirement.

Responsibilities

· Draft and respond to written discovery.

· Prepare and file motions, pleadings, and other court filings.

· Conduct legal research and analyze complex legal issues.

· Take and defend depositions.

· Prepare witnesses and clients for testimony.

· Attend court and administrative hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.

· Interface directly with clients and provide practical legal advice.

· Develop litigation strategy and case management plans.

· Negotiate settlements and resolve disputes when appropriate.

· Maintain case files and ensure compliance with deadlines and court rules.

· Collaborate with support staff to efficiently manage matters.

Manage a litigation caseload independently

QualificationsRequired

· Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

· Active membership in the Washington State Bar Association.

· Minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing law, with substantial litigation experience.

· Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

· Experience drafting motions, pleadings, and discovery.

· Experience taking and defending depositions.

· Ability to manage cases independently and meet deadlines.

· Excellent interpersonal and client communication skills.

· Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment and think strategically.

Preferred

· Familiarity with Washington state and local court procedures.

Why Join Us?

· Work directly with clients and have substantial responsibility.

· Handle sophisticated and interesting property-related disputes.

· Enjoy a collegial small-firm environment with less bureaucracy.

· Opportunity for mentorship and increasing responsibility.

· Long-term opportunity for practice succession and potential ownership.

· Competitive compensation based on experience ($120,000–$135,000).

Qualified candidates should submit a resume. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person