Overview In this role you will manage Fairfield's litigation portfolio and advise on risk across property operations, construction, and contracting. You will partner with executive leadership to align legal strategy with business goals and to mitigate risk across the portfolio. You will lead outside counsel on complex matters, develop policy and training to reduce claims, and support proactive risk management. This is a high-impact, collaborative role at a growing, vertically integrated real estate company where your work shapes how we protect assets and drive responsible growth. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to navigate disputes and ensure compliant, business-minded outcomes.
Compensation / Benefits- robust benefits package focusing on care and affordability
- competitive compensation plans
- 401(k) matching
- paid time off including holidays, sick days, and volunteer time off
- medical, dental & vision insurance
- flexible spending account
Responsibilities- Manage and oversee litigation and dispute resolution across the portfolio
- Direct litigation and settlement strategy with outside counsel
- Handle construction, contract, premises liability, habitability, fair housing and related claims
- Provide updates on litigation exposure, status, and outcomes
- Partner with risk management to evaluate coverage for litigation matters
- Coordinate with insurers and third-party administrators on claims and coverage issues
- Analyze contractual risk transfer provisions, indemnification, and insurance obligations
- Monitor litigation trends and recommend risk mitigation strategies
- Manage construction defect, contractor, subcontractor, and design professional disputes
- Support resolution of claims through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation
- Advise on mechanic's liens, contract disputes, and operational claims
- Collaborate with business teams to reduce recurring legal risks
- Research and interpret laws impacting multifamily operations
- Monitor legal developments and update policies accordingly
- Develop procedures and training materials to reduce claims and support compliance
- Partner with stakeholders to strengthen loss prevention initiatives
- Serve as trusted legal advisor to executive leadership and business teams
- Collaborate with operations, construction, development, property management, and risk management teams
- Align legal recommendations with business objectives and enterprise risk considerations
- Support a proactive approach to legal risk management
Key requirements- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active California bar in good standing
- Admission to practice law in California required
- Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience in mid-sized/large law firm or corporate setting
- At least 3 years of in-house or portfolio-level litigation management experience
- Experience managing complex litigation including construction defect, personal injury, premises liability, contract disputes, and tenant-related claims
- Experience managing outside counsel across multiple jurisdictions
- Experience evaluating insurance coverage and coordinating with insurers and brokers
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic legal advisory
- Executive communication and influence
- Litigation management
- Construction defect litigation expertise
- Insurance coverage analysis
