JUNIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Transportation and Infrastructure Law

Kaplan Kirsch LLP•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$159,000 - $179,550

About The Position

The firm is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative attorney to join its Rail, Transit, Highways, and Infrastructure practice. The role also supports related environmental, energy, tribal, and real estate matters as needed. The firm is a national boutique law firm representing clients including states, local governments, transit agencies, airports, nonprofit organizations, and Native American tribes on complex projects across the United States. The associate will work directly with partners, counsel, senior associates, and clients on matters that may involve litigation and transactions. Work may include drafting pleadings for judicial and administrative litigation proceedings, conducting legal research, drafting memoranda of law, and drafting and negotiating contracts and operating agreements. Associates are expected to manage matters and deadlines, work both independently and collaboratively, and take initiative in serving clients and developing professionally. This is a full-time position located 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 not subject to a limit when meeting that target. The salary range is $159,000–$179,550, commensurate with experience, with additional compensation available for associates who exceed minimum billable targets. The start date is flexible, targeting November 2026 through February 2027.

Requirements

Have 1 to 3 years of relevant transactional, administrative law, or litigation experience, or a judicial clerkship.
Demonstrate exceptional writing, analytical, research, and advocacy skills.
Be able to interact successfully with clients and colleagues.
Adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
Take initiative and be action-oriented.
Show curiosity and passion for the firm's clients and work.
Have a law degree from an accredited law school, with academic excellence and leadership.
Be admitted to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

Admission in California, New York, Colorado, or the District of Columbia 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.
An entrepreneurial mindset and a collegial, team-focused approach to practicing law.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including attentive listening, active engagement, and effective communication of complex matters.

Responsibilities

Serve as a 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 tasks and deadlines and proactively complete transactions.
Take responsibility for client matters, delegate intelligently, and pursue opportunities for professional improvement.

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
Parental leave
Coverage of some public transportation costs
Approved pro bono hours are unlimited when meeting the annual billable-hours target