Post Judicial Law Clerk - Associate Attorney

Job Type Full-time Description

Kaplan Kirsch, LLP is accepting applications from current judicial law clerks to join as Associates in Fall 2026. We’re looking for highly motivated, creative, and collaborative attorneys to join our unique law firm. We are not like other private law firms. A majority of our clients are states, local governments, Native American tribes, airports, transit agencies, and non-profit organizations. Operating outside the “Big Law” model, our collegial and collaborative firm enables our Associate Attorneys to gain momentum in their careers and further their professional development through meaningful involvement on public and private projects that benefit communities across the United States.

Why consider us?

We are a fast-growing national boutique law firm devoted exclusively to helping public and private clients solve problems involving the nation’s most complex and high-profile projects in real estate, land use, infrastructure, project financing, airports, rail, transit, renewable energy, environmental, conservation, and tribal law. Our litigators practice at the highest levels, including litigating high-stakes trials, appeals, cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, and before administrative tribunals. Associates will work closely with our seasoned lawyers—many of whom have served at the highest levels of government and the nonprofit world—and gain hands-on experience quickly. Our firm prides itself on complex and collaborative work that does not always fit neatly within traditional practice group boundaries, and associates will regularly work with colleagues across multiple practices and sectors within the Firm.

Many of our practice groups, partners, and associates have been recognized by leading legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers, and Law360, reflecting our Firm’s outsized achievements and national recognition. The work we do is rewarding, and we are tremendously proud of the superior client service our team is able to provide.

We focus on our colleagues as well as our clients. We believe that professional life can be more enjoyable and rewarding when you work with a great team, know that your contributions make a difference, and can pursue a fulfilling career without compromising personal responsibilities and choices.

We are also proud to be recognized for creating opportunities for our associates to learn and grow. Associates at Kaplan Kirsch are uniquely positioned to have a significant impact from day one, while also gaining valuable experience and training. We believe in maintaining a clear, supportive path toward partnership, and our collective mentoring approach has resulted in a significant number of internal promotions.

Requirements

In this role, you may:

• Draft briefs, pleadings, and motions at the trial and appellate levels in both federal and state courts;
• Research and write memoranda to support litigation strategy;
• Prepare witnesses for deposition, trial, and administrating hearings, including outlining direct- and cross-examinations;
• Manage discovery, including drafting discovery requests, responses, preparing privilege logs, and evaluating evidentiary issues;
• Support various firm practice groups, including projects, airports, rail transit, and energy and environmental, on complex regulatory and infrastructure matters;
• Contribute to other firm initiatives, including pro bono matters and business development projects.
  

You will excel in this role by:

• Having recently completed a judicial clerkship.
• Demonstrating exceptional writing, analytical, and advocacy skills and ability to successfully interact with clients and colleagues.
• Adapting quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment to successfully multi-task and manage deadlines to proactively complete transactions.
• Having a high comfort level in working both independently as well as in a team environment.
• Taking initiative by being action-oriented, immediately responsible for your client, delegating intelligently, and seeking opportunities for personal improvement.
• Showing academic excellence and leadership, having achieved a law degree from an accredited law school.
• Being admitted to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction within which the firm has an office.

You will stand out from other candidates if you have:

• Have prior experience or demonstrated interest working in one of the firm’s primary practice areas: real estate, land use, infrastructure, project financing, airports, rail, transit, renewable energy, environmental, conservation, or tribal law.
• Have an entrepreneurial mindset with a collegial, team-focused approach to the practice of law.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and attentively listen, actively engage, and effectively communicate complex matters.

Position details: This is a full-time position to be located in Denver, New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C. We have an annual expectation of 1,600 billable hours for our associates, and we have incorporated our values into this target by including an unlimited amount of approved pro bono hours. We are currently working in a hybrid environment, where all team members are expected to work in the office, but which may allow for remote work as business needs allow. The salary range is $159,000 - $179,550, commensurate with experience. We offer medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, STD, LTD, group term life insurance, 401(k), flexible PTO, and parental leave. The Firm will also cover some public transportation costs.

The Firm is actively committed to fostering the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, disability, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out by emailing HR@kaplankirsch.com

Salary Description $159,000 - $179,550