JUNIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Transportation and Infrastructure Law

Kaplan Kirsch LLP•Denver, CO

1d•$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, while also supporting related environmental, energy, tribal, and real estate matters as needed. The firm is a national boutique focused on complex public and private projects, including transit, rail, real estate, land use, infrastructure, project financing, airports, renewable energy, environmental, conservation, and tribal law. Associates collaborate across practice areas and work directly with partners, counsel, senior associates, and clients, gaining hands-on responsibility and professional development through meaningful project work. The firm describes a collegial, collaborative culture, collective mentoring, and a path toward partnership. Work may include litigation and transactional matters, such as drafting pleadings for judicial and administrative proceedings, conducting legal research, drafting memoranda of law, and drafting and negotiating contracts and operating agreements. The role is full-time and may be 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; approved pro bono hours count toward the target without limit. The firm offers additional compensation for associates who exceed minimum billable targets. The anticipated 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 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.
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 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.
Transactional experience 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 the ability to communicate complex matters effectively.
Applicants new to the sector may demonstrate strength in the required competencies and a genuine eagerness to learn.

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 deadlines and multiple tasks to proactively complete transactions.
Take responsibility for client matters, delegate intelligently, and seek opportunities for personal improvement.