Senior Litigation Attorney - Civil Defense

Northern California | Hybrid/Remote | Trial & Motion Focused

At Burrows & Stutsman LLP, we believe exceptional legal work starts with attorneys who are supported, trusted, and given meaningful responsibility. We are a boutique civil litigation defense firm seeking a senior litigation attorney who wants to actively practice law, develop strategy, and continue growing professionally in a collaborative environment.

This role is ideal for an experienced litigator, including attorneys at the senior associate or counsel level, who values case ownership, courtroom exposure, and ongoing mentorship, without the grind or bureaucracy of a large firm.

The Role

As a Senior Litigation Attorney, you will be responsible for handling matters from inception through resolution, with direct partner involvement and meaningful client interaction.

You will:

• Manage civil litigation matters through pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and resolution
• Draft and argue substantive law and motion matters
• Take and defend depositions
• Regularly appear in California state and federal courts
• Participate in mediations and settlement negotiations
• Work directly with clients on strategy and case evaluation

This is a hands‑on litigation role where senior attorneys are actively involved, not removed from the work.

Expectations & Workflow

• Annual billable expectation: 1,850 hours
• Billable hours expectation is intended to support high‑quality work and a sustainable practice
• Caseloads are structured to support efficiency and quality advocacy
• Attorneys spend their time on substantive legal work, not unnecessary administrative tasks
• Success is measured by preparation, results, and professionalism - not raw volume alone

Training, Mentorship & Firm Culture

Training and mentorship at Burrows & Stutsman do not end at the junior level.

• Partners are actively engaged in strategy and decision‑making
• Senior attorneys receive ongoing feedback and collaboration, not micromanagement
• Motion practice, trial preparation, and client strategy are team‑based efforts
• Attorneys are encouraged to continue developing litigation judgment and leadership skills

Our goal is to build long‑term careers, not short‑term churn.

Qualifications

• Active member of the California State Bar in good standing
• Strong background in civil litigation (defense experience preferred, not required)
• Experience with motion practice, depositions, and court appearances
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage cases independently while collaborating with a team
• 7+ years of litigation experience preferred, but we value capability and judgment over a strict year count

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $185,000 – $225,000+, commensurate with experience
• Quarterly bonus program based on total hours billed
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with annual 3% firm contribution
• Unlimited vacation policy