Associate Attorney

Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC seeks a litigation associate with 2 to 5 years of experience to join its real estate practice. This position offers substantive case responsibility, direct client contact, regular court appearances, a 1,600-hour annual billable requirement, and a clear path for advancement. The Associate Attorney supports our real estate practice by advising clients, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, and representing clients in judicial proceedings in both State and federal courts, as well as in administrative proceedings. This position is based in our San Francisco office and requires regular in-person attendance Monday through Friday.

What You'll Do

• Provide legal counsel to property owners on real estate and landlord-tenant matters.
• Provide occasional support on real estate purchase-and-sale matters.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings, trial court proceedings, and appeals.
• Draft and argue pleadings, motions, and writs.
• Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Manage discovery and support trial preparation.
• Communicate directly with clients and opposing counsel.
• Negotiate settlements and draft agreements to resolve disputes.

Qualifications

Required:

• Active California Bar membership in good standing.
• Two to five years of civil litigation experience.
• Experience with law and motion practice, discovery, and trial preparation.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Westlaw.

Preferred:

• Real estate or landlord-tenant litigation experience.
• Land-use, administrative-law, or environmental-litigation experience.
• Experience with writs or appellate matters.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent written communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to providing responsive, client-focused service. This role requires prior experience supporting law and motion matters, discovery, and trial preparation.

What We Offer

• Salary commensurate with experience, but in the range of $140,000-$200,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance. (100% employer contribution for employee medical base coverage)
• 401(k) or profit-sharing plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Billable-hour or discretionary bonus eligibility.
• Bar dues and CLE reimbursement.
• Transit or parking benefits.
• Professional-development support.
• A collegial, professional work environment that respects work-life balance, with a low 1600 annual billable-hour requirement.
• Early responsibility, including court appearances and direct client contact.
• Clear opportunities for advancement to Senior Associate or Shareholder.
• Exposure to sophisticated, high-impact real estate matters across the Bay Area.

About the Firm

Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC is a boutique real estate law firm with more than 25 years of experience representing property owners, businesses, and developers throughout the Bay Area. Our attorneys handle litigation, administrative proceedings, appeals, land-use matters, landlord-tenant disputes, construction matters, and real estate transactions. We offer associates substantive responsibility, direct mentorship, and opportunities to develop their own practices.

Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.