JUNIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Transportation and Infrastructure Law

Kaplan Kirsch LLP•Denver, CO

2d•$159,000 - $179,550•Onsite

About The Position

The firm is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Junior Associate Attorney to join its Rail, Transit, Highways, and Infrastructure practice. The associate will also support related environmental, energy, tribal, and real estate matters as needed. The firm is a national boutique focused on complex projects involving public and private clients, including states, local governments, transit agencies, airports, nonprofit organizations, and Native American tribes. Associates work across practice areas and collaborate directly with partners, counsel, senior associates, and clients, gaining hands-on experience and professional development through meaningful project work. Matters may involve litigation and transactional work, including judicial and administrative proceedings, legal research, memoranda, contracts, and operating agreements. The firm describes a collaborative mentoring approach and a potential path toward partnership. This is a full-time position based in New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; or Washington, DC. Associates have an annual expectation of 1,600 billable hours, with approved pro bono hours counting toward the target without a limit. The salary range is $159,000–$179,550, commensurate with experience, with additional compensation available for exceeding minimum billable targets. The start date is flexible, targeting November 2026 through February 2027.

Requirements

1 to 3 years of relevant transactional, administrative law, or litigation experience, or a judicial clerkship.
Exceptional writing, analytical, research, and advocacy skills.
Ability to interact successfully with clients and colleagues.
Ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, multitask, and manage deadlines proactively.
Comfort working independently as well as collaboratively in a team.
Initiative, action orientation, sound delegation, and interest in personal improvement.
Curiosity and passion for the firm's clients and work.
Law degree from an accredited law school, with academic excellence and leadership.
Admission to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

Admission to practice in California, New York, Colorado, or Washington, DC.
Experience in the rail, transit, highways, or infrastructure sector.
Experience with matters before the Surface Transportation Board, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, or state or local transportation agencies.
Experience representing public transportation agencies.
Transactional experience involving federal grant funding.
An entrepreneurial mindset and a collegial, team-focused approach to practicing law.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including attentively listening, actively engaging, and effectively communicating complex matters.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key member of the Rail, Transit, Highways, and Infrastructure practice and support related environmental, energy, tribal, and real estate matters as needed.
Work directly with partners, counsel, senior associates, and clients on litigation and transactional matters.
Draft pleadings in judicial and administrative litigation proceedings.
Conduct legal research and draft memoranda of law.
Draft and negotiate contracts and operating agreements.
Manage multiple matters and deadlines, take initiative, and contribute independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health savings account (HSA)
Flexible spending account (FSA)
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Group term life insurance
401(k)
Flexible paid time off
Parental leave
Coverage of some public transportation costs
Approved pro bono hours count toward the annual billable-hour target without a limit
Additional compensation for associates who exceed minimum billable targets