Senior Counsel - Litigation ($182,900.00 - $267,000.00)

Position Summary:

The Irvine Company is a diversified, privately held real estate operating and investment company, highly respected for its stewardship and master-planning of the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California. Today, the Company’s real estate portfolio totals approximately 130M square feet, with a focus primarily on coastal California. Approximately 65% of the Company’s portfolio is in Orange County, with 35% in Silicon Valley, San Diego, West Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.
 
The Company operates under a holding company structure with each of its four primary real estate operating divisions (Apartments, Office, Retail, and Community Development) functioning as wholly owned subsidiaries of the parent. While the parent provides strategic-level guidance and oversight, corporate services and support (IT, HR, Corporate Finance, Legal, Accounting, etc.), each division is staffed and managed as a fully functioning real estate operating company at scale.
 
Although privately held, the Company is managed similarly to a public company, with strong corporate governance and executive management reporting to a board of directors. The Company is structured to operate in perpetuity.

The Company is seeking a highly-skilled and experienced litigation attorney with a strong background in real estate, leasing, and construction disputes to join its legal team. This individual will manage complex landlord-tenant law matters, construction disputes, and oversee real estate and other litigation from start to finish. Your expertise will be crucial in managing and resolving disputes for the organization.
 

Job Duties:

• Select and manage outside counsel to represent the Company in landlord-tenant disputes, whether unlawful detainer or breach of lease, for the Company’s Retail and Office divisions.  
• Provide comprehensive support for construction disputes and litigation, encompassing construction defect claims, warranty issues, and related matters.
• Partner with business teams to develop strategic trial approaches and effective dispute resolution to ensure practical and effective outcomes.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel and other Company division leaders to develop robust litigation and dispute resolution strategies.
• Keep up-to-date with changes and new developments in real estate and construction case law and industry trends to provide the most relevant advice to the Company.    
• Manage a demanding caseload efficiently, overseeing multiple cases simultaneously and consistently meeting tight deadlines.
   

Minimum Qualifications / Other Expectations:

Education:

• Graduate of a regionally or nationally recognized law school.

Experience:

• 8+ years of litigation experience in private practice at a leading law firm, demonstrating a strong foundation in legal strategy and procedure.
• Trial experience. (first or second chair required)
• Strong case strategy and writing skills.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in commercial landlord/tenant and construction litigation, indicating specialized expertise in relevant areas.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment, contributing positively to group dynamics.
• Dedicated to providing excellent customer service with a genuine passion for helping others achieve successful outcomes.
• Practical and results-oriented approach coupled with analytical rigor.
• Adept at organizing and managing multiple matters simultaneously, skillfully directing outside counsel, communicating effectively with internal clients, and consistently delivering timely results.
• A proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently, taking initiative and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, enabling clear and concise articulation of legal positions and progress updates. 

Certifications:

• Admitted to California Bar

Other:

• Valid California driver’s license; Maintain continuous vehicle liability insurance as required by state law. (This role requires the regular and frequent operation of a vehicle, as defined in the Company’s MVR policy, and is part of the essential duties of this position.)