Litigation Associate (Westlake Village)

Litigation AssociatePosition OverviewWe are seeking a Litigation Associate to join our dynamic litigation team. The associate will handle a broad range of civil litigation mattersparticularly business disputes arising from corporate transactions, M&A, real estate, employment, and insurance coverage. The role focuses on developing and executing litigation strategy, drafting and arguing motions, managing discovery and trial preparation, counseling clients on risk and dispute resolution, and collaborating with transactional and insurance teams to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.Key ResponsibilitiesManage a diverse caseload of civil litigation matters from intake through resolution, including state and federal court proceedings and arbitration.Draft and file pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation documents with precision and persuasive legal analysis.Conduct factual and legal research and prepare legal memoranda to support case strategy and client advice.Develop litigation strategies and work closely with partners to evaluate legal risks, settlement options, and trial-readiness.Lead and supervise discovery efforts, including e-discovery workflows, document review, depositions, and subpoenas.Prepare witnesses and exhibits for hearings and trials; participate in hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials as needed.Advise clients on litigation-related aspects of corporate and transactional matters, including M&A, real estate, employment disputes, and insurance coverage issues.Coordinate with colleagues across practice groups (corporate, M&A, real estate, employment, insurance) to align transactional and litigation objectives.Negotiate settlements and draft settlement agreements, releases, and related documents.Mentor and supervise junior associates and paralegals, providing feedback and direction on case work and document drafting.QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the state bar in the hiring jurisdiction (or admission-eligible).3+ years of civil litigation experience at a law firm or in-house legal department; candidates with a focus on business litigation are preferred.Demonstrated experience or familiarity with Corporate Law, Business Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Litigation, Real Estate disputes, Employment Law, and Insurance Coverage Law.Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; experience drafting complex briefs and motions required.Trial or arbitration experience a plus; courtroom presence and deposition experience preferred.Proven ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines independently while maintaining attention to detail and high-quality work product.Excellent client-facing skills, including the ability to explain legal issues clearly and provide practical business-focused advice.Ability to work collaboratively across practice groups and mentor junior team members.Proficiency with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis), e-discovery platforms, and standard office productivity software; willingness to learn firm-specific technologies.Willingness to travel for court appearances, depositions, and client meetings as needed.BenefitsBlue shield PPO premium Guardian Dental VSP EyeLong Term Disability 401k after 12 months, firm typically matches 3-7% depends on third party administrator testing