Construction (Litigation) Associate - Remote (California) at Clark Hill Law

Clark Hill Law, an AmLaw 200 firm with more than 700 attorneys and 30 offices across the United States, Ireland, and Mexico, is hiring a Construction (Litigation) Associate for its Construction Business Unit in Southern California. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position offering a compelling salary range of $160,000 to $175,000 annually, plus an annual discretionary bonus and an extensive benefits package. The role is remote-friendly but requires the candidate to be licensed in and local to California. With the posting appearing just two days ago and only 25 applicants being considered first, this is a timely opportunity for litigation attorneys looking to pivot into a high-value construction practice.

"Clark Hill PLC is seeking an attorney with 3-5 years of litigation experience for its Construction Business Unit in Southern California."

Why Construction Litigation Is a Niche Worth Watching

Construction law is not merely about contracts and building codes; it is a multidisciplinary field that blends real estate, insurance, torts, and administrative law. California's booming infrastructure, housing development, and commercial construction projects generate a continuous stream of complex disputes—ranging from construction defects and delay claims to insurance coverage battles and public works litigation. For a litigator, this means every case brings unique factual scenarios, technical experts, and high-stakes financial exposure. By entering this niche, an associate can develop a distinctive skill set that is highly marketable for partnership tracks and later moves to boutique construction firms or in-house positions with developers and contractors. The remote nature of this role also signals a forward-thinking approach at Clark Hill, allowing attorneys to serve clients across California without being tied to a single office.

Inside the Role: What Clark Hill Expects from You

This is not an entry-level position. The firm wants an attorney who has already cut their teeth in litigation and can handle significant file responsibility from day one. The posting explicitly asks for:

• 3-5 years of litigation experience, with trial preparation and courtroom experience.
• File responsibility, meaning the ability to manage cases independently, from pleadings through discovery and trial.
• Motion practice and deposition experience to take and defend depositions, argue motions, and interact with opposing counsel effectively.
• Strong advocacy, research, writing, and negotiation skills—essential for crafting persuasive briefs, mediating settlements, and representing clients in court.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, since construction disputes involve multiple stakeholders: owners, contractors, subcontractors, insurers, and government entities.
• A willingness to learn new areas of law, because construction litigation often intersects with insurance coverage, AIA contracts, lien laws, and environmental regulations.

While familiarity with construction litigation is preferred, it is not mandatory. This is a significant advantage for a general litigator seeking to specialise. The firm values a strong academic record from an ABA-accredited law school and current California licensure. If you have a background in commercial litigation, insurance defense, or even personal injury defense, you can reframe your experience to highlight transferable skills such as managing discovery, taking depositions, and preparing cases for trial.

The Remote California Advantage: Flexibility Without Sacrificing Impact

In an era where many law firms are mandating return-to-office policies, Clark Hill's willingness to offer a remote role in California is refreshing. The posting says location is flexible, but all candidates must be licensed in and local to California. This means you can live in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, or even a smaller community, and still serve the firm's statewide clientele. Remote work in litigation is particularly attractive because it allows for deeper focus during document review, legal research, and brief writing. However, it also demands self-discipline and proactive communication. Successful remote associates typically use technology to remain visible: scheduling regular check-ins, using collaborative platforms, and making themselves available for virtual hearings and client calls. This role offers the best of both worlds—high-level legal work at a national firm with the lifestyle benefits of remote practice.

Compensation and Benefits: Reading Beyond the Base Salary

The advertised salary of $160,000–$175,000 is highly competitive for a 3-5 year litigation associate, especially in a remote role outside the traditional big-law hubs. Clark Hill also sweetens the package with an annual discretionary bonus, which can meaningfully increase total compensation. The benefits list is comprehensive:

• Health insurance with optional HSA/FSA
• Short-term disability and long-term disability
• Dental insurance, vision care, and life insurance
• 401K retirement plan
• Vacation, sick time, and employee assistance program
• Parking/public transportation allowance

This kind of benefits package is designed to attract mid-career attorneys who value both financial security and work-life balance. The discretionary bonus also signals that the firm rewards performance, making this an excellent place for an ambitious associate to build a book of experience and reputation.

How to Craft a Winning Application for This Role

Given that this listing encourages you to be among the first 25 applicants, speed and precision are essential. Here are strategic tips to stand out:

• Tailor your resume to construction matters: If you have handled any construction defect, contract dispute, or insurance coverage case, put that front and center. Use legal keywords such as "motion practice," "depositions," "trial preparation," and "file responsibility" to mirror the job description.
• Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you're interested in construction litigation, even if you lack direct experience. Emphasise your ability to learn quickly and your comfort with complex technical evidence.
• Highlight courtroom exposure: The firm specifically wants trial preparation and courtroom experience. List every hearing, arbitration, or trial you have participated in, even as a second-chair.
• Show California ties: Since local presence is required, make it clear that you are currently residing in California and hold an active California Bar license.
• Prepare for behavioural questions: Expect questions about how you handle high-pressure deadlines, difficult opposing counsel, and tricky evidentiary issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

The firm also states that external search firms must use their recruiter submissions page and have a fee agreement in place, so individual applicants applying directly via LinkedIn are at an advantage if they submit early.

Why Clark Hill Law? The AmLaw 200 Platform

Clark Hill is not just another law firm; it is an aggressive growth story. With 30 offices internationally and 700+ attorneys, the firm invests heavily in its associates and encourages collaboration across practice groups. Joining the Construction Business Unit means you will be part of a dedicated team that handles some of the most sophisticated construction disputes in the country. The firm's value proposition is simple: exceptional teamwork and outstanding service. For an associate, this translates into mentorship opportunities, exposure to national clients, and a clear pathway to partnership. The firm specifically mentions its commitment to hiring associates, counsel, and members who fit its culture and embrace its strategic plan—so a candidate who demonstrates ambition and cultural fit will thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need prior construction law experience to apply?

No. The posting states that familiarity with construction litigation is preferred but not required. What is essential is 3-5 years of general litigation experience, with trial preparation, motion practice, and deposition experience. If you can show strong advocacy, research, and writing skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate.

2. Is the role fully remote?

Yes, the location is flexible, but you must be licensed in and local to California. This means you can work remotely from anywhere in California, but you cannot be based outside the state. The role is classified as full-time and the salary range is based on a full-time work schedule.

3. What is the salary and bonus structure?

The base salary is $160,000 to $175,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and Clark Hill offers a full benefits package including health insurance, disability coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, and paid time off.

4. How can I apply for this role?

Applications are being accepted through the LinkedIn job posting. The listing encourages candidates to apply promptly, as consideration may be limited. External recruiters must use Clark Hill's recruiter submissions page and have a fee agreement in place; individual applicants should apply directly via the official application link.