Associate Attorney (San Diego)

Take on meaningful litigation work from day one, backed by real mentorship and a collaborative team. Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley Schena & Bush, a respected full-service San Diego law firm is seeking a skilled litigation associate with at least 3+ years of civil litigation experience to join its practice.

Target compensation for this role: $170,000–$190,000 total compensation per year, for a candidate with 3+ years of relevant litigation experience and a 1,700 billable-hour expectation. Actual salary depends on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and work location.

Founded in 1998, the firm is AV-rated in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and holds a Tier 1 ranking in the 2025 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms,” with a global affiliation through Legus International. Headquartered in downtown San Diego, our civil litigation team handles a broad range of matters – including business and commercial disputes, construction, directors and officers liability, employment, personal injury and wrongful death, product liability, real estate, and trademark and trade secret litigation – giving associates varied, sophisticated casework rather than a narrow specialty.

Our firm fosters a strong, hands-on mentorship culture where associates are set up for success through guidance and support. Associates are trusted with meaningful responsibility, handling cases from inception to conclusion, which accelerates professional growth and confidence. Associate attorneys at the firm are responsible for day-to-day tasks such as drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery, as well as appearing for court hearings and depositions.

We value a collaborative, team-oriented, in-person work environment. We offer a flexible hybrid schedule, but may consider a fully remote arrangement depending on the circumstances.

Responsibilities:

· Manage assigned cases

· Handle cases from inception to conclusion

· Take and defend depositions

· Make court appearances

· Draft motions, pleadings and respond to discovery

· Participate in mediations, arbitrations, and trials

Qualifications:

· Demonstrated expertise in litigation, with 3+ years of experience in state and federal courts

· Exceptional academic credentials

· Strong research and writing skills

· Licensed to practice and in good standing in California

Compensation and Benefits:

· Competitive salary and bonus

· 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan

· Unlimited PTO

· Group health insurance (HMO and PPO options; zero-cost plan options)

· Group dental, vision, LTD, term life insurance

· Free access to on-site fitness center

· Wellness stipend

· Bar Membership and Continuing Education

· Paid parking