DBL Business & Immigration Law is seeking an Associate Attorney with civil litigation experience to join our Bellevue practice.
We offer something that can be difficult to find in private practice: interesting and substantive litigation work, meaningful responsibility, direct client relationships, and a genuinely manageable billable-hour expectation.
Our associates are expected to bill approximately 1,200–1,400 hours annually. We believe attorneys can provide excellent representation, build their skills, and develop lasting client relationships without making work their entire life.
This position is particularly well suited for an attorney with approximately 3–5 years of experience who is ready to take greater ownership of cases and wants the independence of a smaller firm while still having the support of an experienced legal team.
The Position
Your primary focus will be civil and business litigation. You will work directly with clients and have meaningful involvement in your cases from initial evaluation through resolution.
Depending on your experience, your responsibilities will include:
- Managing civil and business litigation matters
- Evaluating claims, defenses, and litigation strategy
- Drafting complaints, answers, motions, briefs, declarations, and other pleadings
- Preparing and responding to written discovery
- Reviewing and analyzing documents, business records, and financial records
- Conducting legal research and preparing persuasive written arguments
- Preparing for and taking or defending depositions
- Appearing at hearings and other court proceedings
- Preparing for mediation, arbitration, and trial
- Negotiating directly with opposing counsel
- Advising clients regarding litigation strategy, risk, settlement, and practical business considerations
- Working with and delegating appropriate responsibilities to legal assistants and support staff
Because DBL also maintains an active business practice, you may have opportunities to work on contracts, commercial leases, negotiations, business transactions, and general counsel matters for our business clients.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for an attorney who enjoys litigation, writes well, exercises sound judgment, and is comfortable taking responsibility for moving cases forward.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Admission to the Washington State Bar
- Approximately 3–5 years of attorney experience
- Meaningful experience with civil, commercial, or business litigation
- Strong legal research and persuasive writing skills
- Experience drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Good organizational and case-management skills
- The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients and opposing counsel
- The judgment to work independently while also knowing when collaboration is valuable
Experience taking depositions, arguing motions, participating in mediation or arbitration, or preparing cases for trial is highly valued.
We will also consider an attorney with somewhat less experience who has a strong litigation foundation, excellent writing skills, and is ready for greater responsibility.
Why DBL?
A manageable billable expectation.
Our annual billable expectation is approximately 1,200–1,400 hours. We want our attorneys to have successful legal careers that are sustainable over the long term.
Meaningful litigation experience.
You will not simply research one issue or handle a small piece of a larger case. You will have the opportunity to understand the client's objectives, help develop strategy, interact with opposing counsel, and participate meaningfully in moving cases toward resolution.
Direct client relationships.
Our associates communicate directly with clients and learn to become trusted legal advisors—not simply behind-the-scenes researchers and drafters.
Independence without isolation.
We value attorneys who can take ownership of their work, but you will have an experienced team available when collaboration, strategy discussions, or another perspective would be useful.
Work-life balance that is more than a slogan.
We offer a hybrid work arrangement, generous paid time off, and a billable expectation designed to allow our attorneys to have lives outside the office.
A broad business practice.
For attorneys interested in expanding beyond litigation, our practice provides exposure to contracts, commercial transactions, leases, negotiations, and outside general counsel work.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $120,000–$150,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits include:
- 401(k) with employer matching after six months
- Medical and dental insurance
- Three weeks of paid vacation
- Paid time off
- Hybrid work, generally including the ability to work remotely 1–2 days per week depending on workload and case responsibilities
- Monday–Friday schedule
- Professional development through direct responsibility for substantive matters
Location
Our office is located in Bellevue, Washington. This is a hybrid position with regular in-office work required.
About DBL Business & Immigration Law
We represent businesses, business owners, and individuals in litigation and business matters. Our approach is practical and client-focused. We strive to understand what our clients are actually trying to accomplish and provide efficient legal solutions that make economic and practical sense.
We are a smaller firm where attorneys have the opportunity to know their clients, take responsibility for their work, and see the results of what they do.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Writing sample
In your cover letter, please briefly describe your litigation experience, including the types of matters you have handled and your experience with motions, discovery, depositions, hearings, mediation, arbitration, or trial.
We are particularly interested in hearing from attorneys who enjoy litigation but are looking for a practice where excellent legal work, professional growth, and a sustainable lifestyle can coexist.
Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bellevue, WA 98005
