JUNIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Transportation and Infrastructure Law

Kaplan Kirsch LLP•New York, NY

3d•$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, and will work across practice areas on 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 involving litigation and transactions. Work may include drafting pleadings for judicial and administrative proceedings, legal research, memoranda of law, and drafting and negotiating contracts and operating agreements. The position offers early hands-on responsibility, mentoring, training, and opportunities to contribute to projects that benefit communities across the United States. 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 counted toward the target without limit. The firm offers additional compensation for associates who exceed the 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, action orientation, and a commitment to 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 the District of Columbia.
Experience in the Rail, Transit, Highways, and 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 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 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, assume responsibility for client matters, delegate intelligently, and seek opportunities for personal improvement.