JUNIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Transportation and Infrastructure Law

Kaplan Kirsch LLP • Washington, DC

2d • $159,000 - $179,550 • Onsite

About The Position

The firm is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative attorney to join its Rail, Transit, Highways, and Infrastructure practice. The attorney will also support related environmental, energy, tribal, and real estate matters as needed. The firm is a national boutique focused on complex projects for clients including state and local governments, transit agencies, airports, nonprofit organizations, and Native American tribes.

The associate will work directly with partners, counsel, senior associates, and clients on a range of matters that may involve litigation and transactional work. Tasks include drafting pleadings in judicial and administrative proceedings, conducting legal research, drafting legal memoranda, and drafting and negotiating contracts and operating agreements. Associates are expected to take meaningful responsibility for clients, work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple matters and deadlines, and pursue professional development. The firm emphasizes mentoring, early hands-on experience, 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 stated 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, with a target window of 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 work environment, multitask, and manage deadlines.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a team.
• Initiative, an action-oriented approach, and commitment to personal improvement.
• Curiosity and passion for the clients served and the work performed.
• Law degree from an accredited law school, with academic excellence and leadership.
• Admission to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

• Bar admission in California, New York, Colorado, or Washington, DC is preferred.
• 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.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and collegial, team-focused approach to practicing law.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including attentive listening, active engagement, and the ability to communicate complex matters effectively.

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 and proactively complete transactions.
• Take initiative and assume responsibility for client matters while working 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 (STD)
• Long-term disability insurance (LTD)
• Group term life insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible paid time off (PTO)
• Parental leave
• Some public transportation costs covered
• Approved pro bono hours count toward the annual billable-hours target without a stated limit
• Additional compensation for associates who exceed minimum billable targets

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level