What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney position at Dankos, Gordon & Tucker, P.C.?
Dankos, Gordon & Tucker, P.C.
Dankos, Gordon & Tucker, P.C. is a Richmond-based law firm established in 1986, serving individuals and businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. We pride ourselves on personalized service, practical legal advice, and strong, long-standing client relationships built on trust and results. Our practice is rooted primarily in civil litigation and real estate, with a collaborative culture where attorneys actively mentor and support one another.
We are a small firm with two partners and one associate, offering meaningful responsibility, hands-on experience, and direct client interaction from day one.
Position SummaryWe are seeking a full-time Associate Attorney to join our Richmond office. This position offers a unique opportunity for an attorney who wants substantive courtroom experience alongside a robust real estate and transactional practice.
The associate will handle civil litigation matters with the opportunity to serve as first-chair counsel, while also working on residential and commercial real estate transactions from contract through closing.
Litigation ResponsibilitiesThe associate attorney will be actively involved in all phases of civil litigation, including:
- Litigating civil matters in Virginia General District Court and Circuit Court
- Acting as first-chair counsel, including:
- Opening statements
- Direct and cross-examination of witnesses
- Closing arguments
- Oral legal arguments before judges
- Taking and defending depositions
- Conducting all phases of discovery
- Drafting pleadings, motions, and Bills of Particulars
- Preparing witnesses and coordinating trial strategy
- Negotiating settlements with opposing counsel and clients
Civil litigation matters include, but are not limited to:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Real estate litigation
- Quiet title actions
- Adverse possession claims
- Estate administration–related disputes
In addition to litigation, the role includes significant involvement in residential and commercial real estate transactions, including:
- Drafting and reviewing:
- Purchase and sale agreements
- Title objection letters
- Tenant estoppel certificates
- Deeds and deeds of trust
- Easement agreements
- Wholesaler and assignment contracts
- Working with clients, lenders, settlement agents, and real estate professionals
- Coordinating with real estate paralegals to ensure timely and accurate closings
- Meeting with buyers and sellers to execute closing documents and deed packages
- Managing transactions from contract through closing
While the firm does handle complex civil litigation, the majority of the work is transactional in nature, focused on real estate matters and landlord-tenant cases.
Typical DayA typical day may include:
- Traveling to court for hearings or trials
- Preparing for and litigating trials
- Drafting pleadings and discovery
- Meeting with clients
- Negotiating settlements
- Coordinating with lenders, settlement agents, buyers, and sellers
- Active member of the Virginia State Bar
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the partners
- Interest in civil litigation and real estate law
- Courtroom experience is a plus, but not required — mentorship and training are available
- Commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and client service
- Compensation commensurate with experience
- Monthly travel allowance
- Commission on revenue brought to the firm by the attorney
- Retirement plan
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation and time off
- We maintain a collaborative, hands-on environment where attorneys are encouraged to learn, ask questions, and grow their practices. Our partners are actively involved in mentoring, and associates are given real responsibility and courtroom exposure rather than being siloed into narrow roles.