Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S. (“CH&”) is a full-service law firm in Seattle that advises our diverse client base in multiple practice areas, including land use, real estate, construction, business, corporate finance, litigation, bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights.

Our hallmark culture hinges upon respect, collegiality, and genuine care which extends to all CH& employees, as well as to our clients and their teams. 

We are currently seeking an associate with two to five years of experience in Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights to join our Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Team. Our ideal candidate is a team player willing to take ownership of client cases/files, including direct contact with clients and staff to make for a seamless transition for our clients through their cases. All work is performed in an office environment or courtroom. This position requires research, drafting of court briefs and other documents, strategizing with team members and clients, advising clients, and appearing on behalf of clients in court.

Clients include national and regional banks, community banks, state and federal court receivers, special servicers, bridge lenders, borrowers, companies, and purchasers of distressed businesses. Successful candidates will assist the Bankruptcy and Creditor’s Rights Team in:

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

 Providing legal advice and guidance to clients.

 Appearances before federal bankruptcy court judges in commercial bankruptcies (primarily Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 matters), and state court including but not limited to receivership proceedings as well as other commercial litigation matters related to judgment collection, liens, or voidable transfer litigation.

 Drafting and/or supervising the drafting of memorandum, loan documents, court briefs, and other bankruptcy and receivership pleadings.

 Participate in bankruptcy preparation and reporting requirements throughout the end-to-end lifecycle of case administration (filing preparation, bankruptcyreporting, claims support, and plan support).

 Understanding of financial statements, valuation techniques, and bankruptcy and receivership codes and statutes.

 Participating in state and federal receivership cases (whether moving for a

receiver for our secured lender clients or representing our receiver clients in

liquidating businesses or properties in other cases).

 Creditors’ rights litigation including actions on guarantees, lender liability claims, and voidable transfer and preference actions.

 Ability to maintain attention to detail and produce high-quality work.

 Ability to work in a high-demand, fast-paced environment and meet short

deadlines.

 Professional interaction with others in person, in virtual meetings, and through email and phone.

 Must be able to spend long periods of time in a stationary position working at a computer workstation (sit/stand desk is available).

Secondary Functions:

 Attend Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Group and other meetings and firm

events, as required.

 Participate in and represent the firm in business development activities and

initiatives, including local, regional and national insolvency conferences.

 Initiate and respond to phone calls, emails, etc.

 Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

 Supervise the work of legal assistants, and possibly paralegals.

Education and/or Experience:

 Undergraduate and JD degrees from accredited academic institutions.

 Current WSBA membership.

 Licensed to practice law in the state and admitted to the Bankruptcy Court.

 Admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 Excellent legal writing and oral communication skills

 Excellent interpersonal skills.

 Effective delegation and training skills.

 Excellent critical thinking and listening skills.

 Be responsive to needs of case, client and team.

 Able to collaborate as part of a team, but also work independently.

Our firm is committed to racial equality and social justice and our Racial Equality & Social Justice Plan invites all attorneys and staff to engage, take action, and continue to broaden diversity and awareness in our communities. The CH& Diversity Team was started in 2004 and drives the firm’s initiatives and action. For more information, go to

Diversity | Cairncross & Hempelmann .

Compensation range: $150,000 – $200,000 annually. Benefits include but not limited to:

Medical and Vision insurance, Voluntary Dental insurance, Health Reimbursement

Account Plan, Cafeteria Plan, Life / AD&D insurance, Long-term Disability insurance,

Whole life with Long-term care rider, Retirement Plan 401(k), Vacation, Sick/Safe

Leave, and Orca Pass/parking subsidy.

Send Resume, Writing Sample, and Transcripts to careers@cairncross.com .