Description:

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is seeking a part-time California real estate and land use attorney for engagement through the firm's contract attorney and alternative staffing program, DWTSurge. This contract attorney position will work with the Firm's Real Estate and Land Use practice group to help provide local counsel support for the firm's California clients. Attorneys must reside and have active bar admission in California.

This contract position will work independently to review zoning codes and land use documents, advise on land use and development matters, and provide counsel for land development strategy. Mid to senior level attorneys who are seeking reduced hours and more flexibility in their practice are encouraged to apply. In addition to flexibility, candidates can expect to work closely with An American Business and Litigation Law Firm attorneys as part of a collaborative team, providing high-value legal services to An American Business and Litigation Law Firm clients.

The selected attorney may also be asked to work independently on smaller projects in California, such as driving land use diligence projects or advising on easements, covenants, or other contract matters relating to California land. This role is client facing and requires a high-level of commitment to excellent client service. Attorneys should be able to work independently and exercise good judgement, but should also collaborate easily with various stakeholders, other lawyers, and support staff to meet objectives within short deadlines.

This contract position offers the flexibility of remote work and reduced hours. While the engagement is for an initial 6-month contract term, we anticipate the work to remain relatively steady and there is a possibility of renewal of the contract position for successful candidates. We are looking for attorneys interested in establishing a long-term working relationship with the Firm.

The ideal candidate will have:

5+ years of land development work or transactional real estate work in the land development area.
Residency and active bar admission in California.
Experience in broad land use practice or representing land development clients preferred.
Ability to independently review zoning codes and land use documents, advise on land use and development matters including code enforcement queries, and advise on questions related to developability of land and land development strategy.
An understanding of California real estate law.
Ability to perform local counsel review of real estate transactional documents, including advising on form of deeds and PSA terms in California.
Availability to work 4-8 hours per week and adaptability to variability in the volume of work.
Flexibility to potentially increase hours as needed.
Ability to work remotely.
High-level of responsiveness and client service abilities.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent writing skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to produce high quality work product with minimal supervision and direction.

Please note that this is a temporary contract position managed by An American Business and Litigation Law Firm's flexible attorney program, DWTSurge. Compensation will be paid on an hourly basis, commensurate with experience and skill level (see below). This role is not benefitted. Due to the structure of the DWTSurge program, DWTSurge employees are not eligible for the firm's pro bono, DEI, and other activities or opportunities outside of the above stated scope of work. We are interested in candidates electing to pursue a more flexible way of providing continuous, high-value legal services to the firm and our clients. If you are interested in a more traditional law firm position, please check the DWT careers page for lateral opportunities.