JUNIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Transportation and Infrastructure Law

Kaplan Kirsch LLP•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Associate Attorney will serve as a key member of the firm’s Rail, Transit, Highways, and Infrastructure practice and may support related environmental, energy, tribal, and real estate matters. The attorney will work directly with partners, counsel, senior associates, and clients on a range of matters involving litigation and transactions. Work may include drafting pleadings for judicial and administrative proceedings, conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda, and drafting and negotiating contracts and operating agreements. The firm is a national boutique law firm representing clients including states, local governments, transit agencies, airports, nonprofit organizations, and Native American tribes. Associates work collaboratively across practice areas and gain hands-on experience, mentoring, and opportunities for professional development. The position is full-time and may be based in New York, San Francisco, Denver, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC. Associates have an annual expectation of 1,600 billable hours, with approved pro bono hours counting toward that target. The salary range is $159,000–$179,550, with additional compensation available through a bonus structure for associates who exceed minimum billable targets.

Requirements

One to three 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, multitask, manage deadlines, and proactively complete transactions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Comfort working independently and as part of a team.
Initiative, action orientation, and interest in personal improvement.
Curiosity and passion for the firm’s clients and work.
Academic excellence and leadership.
Law degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

Admission to practice in California, New York, Colorado, or the District of Columbia.
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.
Experience with transactional matters involving federal grant funding.
An entrepreneurial mindset and a collegial, team-focused approach to practicing law.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen attentively, engage actively, and communicate complex matters effectively.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key member of the Rail, Transit, Highways, and Infrastructure practice.
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 both independently and as part of a team.