Description:

Position Overview:
Lachman PLC is seeking a motivated and professional Associate Attorney to join our growing real estate litigation practice. This position is ideal for an attorney who enjoys advocacy, client interaction, legal analysis, and managing matters from intake through resolution.

The Associate Attorney will work directly with clients, opposing counsel, courts, title companies, lenders, and other parties while managing a diverse caseload involving residential and commercial real estate disputes. Success in this role requires strong legal writing and advocacy skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to client service.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Grand Rapids, Michigan operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Responsibilities:

The Associate Attorney will serve as lead or supporting counsel on a variety of litigation and transactional matters involving real estate. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, correspondence, and other legal documents; appearing in court proceedings, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and depositions; and providing strategic legal advice to clients.
The Associate Attorney will manage case files from intake through resolution, including evaluating claims and defenses, developing litigation strategy, maintaining case plans, monitoring deadlines, and ensuring compliance with court rules and procedural requirements. The attorney will collaborate closely with legal assistants, paralegals, and firm leadership to ensure matters move efficiently and effectively.
The position requires regular communication with clients, opposing counsel, lenders, title companies, government agencies, courts, and other third parties. The successful candidate will provide practical legal guidance, maintain strong client relationships, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Additional responsibilities include participating in client consultations, assisting with business development efforts, identifying opportunities to expand client relationships, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the firm.

Salary:
$80,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Opportunities for increased responsibility, professional development, and advancement are available for attorneys who demonstrate initiative, strong performance, and commitment to the firm's long-term success.

Benefits:
Lachman PLC offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:

401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match.
Health insurance, with competitive employee contribution rates.
Dental insurance, with competitive employee contribution rates.
Vision insurance, with competitive employee contribution rates.
Paid time off and firm-recognized holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
On-the-job training and mentorship in a supportive legal environment.
Stable, long-term career potential with a respected West Michigan law firm.

Required Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the State Bar of Michigan, or eligibility to become licensed in Michigan.
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Professional judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Commitment to professionalism, ethics, and exceptional client service.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate legal issues and develop practical solutions.
Experience in real estate litigation, property law, creditor rights, civil litigation, business litigation, or related practice areas.
Experience drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, and settlement agreements.
Courtroom, deposition, mediation, arbitration, or trial experience.
Familiarity with Michigan court rules and litigation procedures.
Experience managing client relationships and advising clients directly.
Interest in developing a long-term practice within a growing real estate litigation firm.

What We're Looking For:
Our ideal candidate is:

A strong legal researcher and analytical thinker who enjoys solving complex legal issues.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently while knowing when to seek guidance.
Organized, responsible, and accountable for managing matters from inception through resolution.
Committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Able to exercise sound judgment and develop practical solutions for clients.
Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
Professional in interactions with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and colleagues.
Eager to take ownership of cases and contribute to the long-term growth of the firm.
Committed to providing exceptional legal services while maintaining the highest ethical standards.