Careers

Goldfarb & Lipman prides itself on the long-term retention of our attorneys and staff. It is our expectation that attorneys practicing at the firm will become partners and spend the majority of their professional careers practicing at Goldfarb & Lipman. Our low turnover is generally the result of retirement rather than attorneys leaving to practice elsewhere.

Open Positions

We are currently actively looking for candidates for the following positions:

Real Estate Transactional Associate

Goldfarb & Lipman LLP combines the experience and skill of more than thirty lawyers, with a practice emphasizing real estate, land use, affordable housing, municipal, and community and economic development law.

We seek a real estate transactional associate with at least three to six years of experience related to the representation of nonprofit and for profit entities, or public agencies, in the areas of affordable housing, community and economic development, and related fields. We welcome candidates with experience related to real estate acquisition and disposition, financing, ownership structuring and taxation, relevant government funding or subsidy programs, rental housing or affordable housing program operations, and regulatory and other legal compliance. Qualified candidates should be capable of independently handling significant portions of transaction structuring and closing.

We require active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

We offer high-quality service to our clients while maintaining a collegial working environment. We are a women-owned firm and an equal opportunity employer. We strive to maintain a welcoming and diverse workplace.

We use a hybrid approach to work location and will require at least two-days in-office per week. We seek candidates for a position in the Oakland office. Salary will range from $149,501 to $188,760 dependent on experience.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter describing their experience and goals, a resume, and writing sample to hr@goldfarblipman.com.

Goldfarb & Lipman LLP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Goldfarb & Lipman LLP is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email hr@goldfarblipman.com.

Senior Litigator

Job Summary

Goldfarb & Lipman LLP, an Oakland, California, 34-lawyer, diverse, women-owned, mission-driven law firm focusing on real estate, affordable housing, community economic development, public entity, and land use law, seeks a litigation attorney with at least 7 years of experience. This position offers a qualified candidate the opportunity to work on and hone their skills in a wide variety of litigation matters for public and private entity clients, with many former big firm, government, transactional and land use colleagues. Ideally, the Senior Litigator will have experience with public entities and public sector employment matters, but this is not required. The annual billable hour requirement for this position is 1700.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Duties/Responsibilities

Represents public and private entity clients in litigation matters.
Manages all phases of litigation, including case assessment, discovery, law and motion practice, oral argument, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
Prepares and argues petitions for writs of mandate and administrative
Collaborates with colleagues and clients to develop effective litigation strategies and case management plans.
Performs other related duties as

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides mentorship and guidance to junior attorneys or staff as

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including legal writing and oral
Legal research and negotiation skills
Strong understanding of legal principles and practices
Proven ability to manage complex litigation independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving
Demonstrated professionalism, judgement, and attention to
Ability to work effectively with clients in the public

Education and Experience

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school with a strong academic
Admission to the California State Bar for at least seven (7)
At least seven (7) years of experience practicing as a litigation attorney in
Trial experience is
Experience with petitions for writ of mandate and appeals
Experience in most aspects of pretrial litigation with a particular focus on law and motion proceedings and oral argument as well as discovery (including experience with electronic discovery)
Experience with petitions for writ of mandate, trial, and appeals

Work Location and Schedule: This position is primarily hybrid, with two days in the Oakland office required on Tuesday and Thursday. Operating hours are from 9:00 am-5:30pm.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a
Must be able to travel for court appearances, client meetings, and other work- related events.

Salary Range: $220,000–$235,000

Billable Hours Requirement: 1,700

Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision; 401(k) with 3% employer match; $200 monthly commuter benefit, four weeks of vacation, plus paid sick leave and holidays.

Perks: Tuesday & Thursday in-office schedule with provided lunch

If you are interested in this position or would like more information, please send your cover letter and resume to hr@goldfarblipman.com.

2027 Summer Associate Program

Want to use your lawyering skills to serve the public interest in a private practice setting?

Goldfarb & Lipman LLP is a collaborative and inclusive law firm that supports our public, nonprofit, and private clients to accomplish positive community impact through affordable housing and community economic development. We strive for a respectful and collegial work environment and find meaning and purpose in our clients’ commitment to create equitable and empowered communities. The summer associate program is the firm’s primary recruitment tool for attorneys, evidenced by the many attorneys at Goldfarb & Lipman who started their careers with the firm as summer associates.

Who We’re Looking For

Second-Year law student
Superior writing skills
Demonstrated a commitment to the public interest and the firm’s core practice areas
Interested in serving diverse communities

Program Details

10-12 weeks
Direct legal work experience
Partner and associate mentorship
Client interactions opportunities
Attend external sessions outside the office with our lawyers.

How to Apply?

Apply early – rolling basis
Submit: Letter of interest, resume, writing sample, and 3 references to: hr@goldfarblipman.com
Due Date: October 2, 2026
Salary Range: $2551 per week
Learn more: www.goldfarblipman.com
Note: Goldfarb & Lipman is a woman-owned enterprise, certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and diversity is a core value of the firm. Persons of color, women, LGBTQIA+, and persons from various socio-economic and other diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Working at Goldfarb & Lipman

Throughout California we give time and resources to organizations that promote our values. Many attorneys have served as leaders in organizations ranging from bar and professional associations to civic and pro bono activities. A few of our many commitments have included:

Recruitment

Whether recruiting law students, experienced lateral hires or for staff positions, the firm actively posts information and reaches out through in-person activities to connect with candidates in underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, women and persons with disabilities. We typically host one second-year law student over the summer.

A Culture of Continued Learning

The firm provides organized, in-depth in-house trainings to professionals in topics directly related to the firm’s practice. Both attorneys and staff are encouraged to seek out classes, webinars, and trainings that will enhance their professional growth.

Equal Opportunity

Because it’s the right thing to do, as well as the fact that the firm represents a large number of public agencies (each with its own policy toward hiring of minorities, women and persons with disabilities), Goldfarb & Lipman strives to have a work force that will meet or exceed the goals of our clients at all times.

Goldfarb & Lipman is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.