Senior Litigation Associate Attorney

Summary of Position

Aleshire & Wynder is seeking an experienced Senior Associate Attorney with a strong background in public entity defense and proven trial experience to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of litigation experience, with demonstrated ability to independently manage client relationships and complex caseloads from initial intake through trial or resolution. This role involves working closely with municipal and government clients, advising on litigation strategy, preparing dispositive motions, handling discovery, and representing clients in court. The Senior Associate Attorney will work closely with the supervising attorney and public agency clients across diverse practice areas and will be expected to demonstrate strong judgment, initiative, and leadership.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Handle and advise on a broad range of legal matters with minimal supervision, which may include: Cannabis, Code Enforcement, Contracts & Public Works, Economic Development, Education, Elections, Energy & Utilities, Environment & Natural Resources, Ethics & Open Government, Franchises, Housing, Labor & Employment, Land Use & Zoning, Litigation, Mining, Mobile Home Parks & Rent Control, Property Acquisition & Takings, Public Agency Organization, Public Finance, Public Safety, Real Estate, Risk Management & Torts, Telecommunications, Toxics & Hazardous Waste, and Water.
• Conduct high-level legal research and draft complex memoranda, motions, briefs, ordinances, contracts, and advisory opinions with minimal oversight.
• Evaluate complex contracts, agreements, and legal documents and provide recommended revisions.
• Lead or significantly contribute to all phases of litigation, including investigations, pleadings, discovery, law and motion, mediation, and trial or hearing preparation.
• Perform and supervise discovery, including document review, subpoenas, depositions, and expert coordination.
• Advise public entities, elected officials, and administrative staff on legal exposure, policy development, risk management, and compliance.
• Represent clients before courts, boards, commissions, and government agencies.
• Develop litigation or advisory strategies and recommend course of action based on legal risk analysis.
• Conduct witness interviews and gather evidence in support of litigation or legal opinions.
• Collaborate and consult with colleagues in specialized practice areas to confirm legal approaches.
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients as appropriate.
• Mentor, train, and supervise Associate Attorneys, Paralegals, and Legal Secretaries as needed.
• Assist with practice group development, client training, and internal process improvements.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Maintain compliance with all firm policies and professional standards.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Must be a member in good standing of the California State Bar
• 7+ years' experience as a practicing attorney
• Demonstrated experience managing complex cases or transactional matters with minimal oversight.
• Prior court appearances, depositions, written discovery, dispositive motion practice, and trial or administrative hearing experience required.
• Strong ability to manage multiple clients, deadlines, and strategic priorities.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to provide guidance and mentorship to junior attorneys and staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with clients, counsel, and agency representatives.
• Advanced knowledge of state and federal court rules.
• Trial experience or trial support experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively in team-based settings.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

Company Culture & Core Values

The Senior Litigation Attorney will model and implement the Firm’s Core Values’ as follows: 

• Serve with Purpose – We are trusted stewards of public law that are dedicated to service and committed to improving the communities we serve. 
• Act with Integrity – We honor our commitments to the firm, our clients, and each other. We act with honesty and transparency, take ownership of our work, we own our mistakes, hold ourselves accountable, and see things through to completion.
• Work as One Firm -  We are trustworthy and trusting. We lift each other up and show up with positive energy. We communicate candidly and directly, always with respect. We assume positive intent and listen to understand. We mentor, learn from each other, and invest in our collective growth. 
• Be Curious, Resourceful, and Proactive – We take initiative. We ask questions, challenge assumptions, and push for creative and strategic solutions, even when the path forward isn’t obvious. We embrace technology, innovation, and new ideas. 

Physical Requirements 

• There may be stressful conditions such as workloads and/or deadlines inherent in this position.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs on occasion; requires good manual dexterity and coordination to grasp, lift, touch or move objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; and hear; and taste and smell. 
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly.