California Litigation Attorney; Irvine

Overview

Latitude Legal is seeking an experienced California-licensed Litigation Attorney (1-4+ years) to join a nationally recognized construction litigation law firm in its Orange County office on a full-time, contract or permanent basis. This is an in-office role within a collaborative, mentor-driven environment where associates work closely with senior partners on complex matters involving construction disputes, delay claims, mechanics liens, and surety issues for major contractors, design professionals, and industry stakeholders.

This position is ideal for a junior litigator who wants significant substantive responsibility early, top-tier training in a specialized practice, and exposure to sophisticated matters that move quickly. You’ll support senior attorneys with the heavy lifting of litigation (e.g., legal research and writing, drafting, analysis, discovery, and strategic support) with opportunities for oral argument, depositions, and client contact as your experience grows.

This is a fully in-office position, and the firm is open to either a contract or contract-to-hire engagement structure
, depending on the Candidate’s goals and fit.

• Conduct legal research and analysis focused on California construction, contract, and surety law.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests/responses, and other litigation documents.
• Assist in evaluating and preparing delay claims, mechanics lien issues, and surety matters (performance/payment bond disputes, indemnity, tender/defense issues, etc.).
• Support fact development, document review, damages analysis, and case strategy preparation.
• Coordinate with senior partners on law and motion practice, discovery management, and trial preparation.
• Participate in oral arguments, depositions, and hearings where experience and readiness support it.
• Maintain organized litigation files, track deadlines, and support case management across multiple matters.
• Collaborate with a close-knit team that values professionalism, responsiveness, and exceptional client service.

• California-licensed attorney with at least 1+ year of litigation experience, ideally involving construction, commercial, or surety matters.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills; familiarity with California law and civil procedure required.
• Highly organized and proactive, capable of managing assignments and communicating effectively with partners, clients, and team members.
• Eager to learn specialized areas such as delay claims, mechanics liens, and surety law—prior exposure a plus but not required.
• Collaborative and professional, with a strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented office.
• Licensed to practice law in California and in good standing.
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Outstanding references
• Must be available to work on-site full-time in the firm s Irvine, CA office

• Type of Role:
  Engagement-to-Hire / Permanent
• Schedule:
  
  Full-Time
• Location:
  
  On-Site (Irvine, CA)

• Pay:
  The annualized pay for this position ranges from $180,000 to $200,000 when calculated on a full-time basis. Pay for contract engagements is based on multiple factors including but not limited to work experience, qualifications, credentials, location, market supply/demand, and the candidate’s preference (each candidate’s pay rate affects the client bill rate which can affect the candidate’s competitiveness for the position).
• Benefits:
  In addition to salary, Latitude Engaged Professionals are W2 employees of Latitude and are eligible for full benefits when working in roles for 20 hours per week, including a Qualified 401k plan. Benefits-eligible Latitude employees receive complimentary Group Life, LTD and AD&D and professional liability insurance. Latitude Attorneys also receive a CLE and Professional Expense stipend.

Latitude will not propose you to prospective clients without your prior consent. Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Latitude is a full-service flexible legal talent company serving corporate legal departments and law firms nationwide. From Fortune Global 100 companies to…