Commercial Litigation Associate

Commercial Litigation AssociatePosition OverviewWe are seeking a diligent Commercial Litigation Associate to join our litigation team. The successful candidate will manage commercial disputes from inception through resolution, including pre-litigation counseling, discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. This role requires strong analytical and drafting skills, the ability to take and defend depositions, and experience negotiating and drafting commercial agreements. The associate will work closely with partners and clients to deliver practical legal strategies and excellent client service.Key ResponsibilitiesManage a diverse caseload of commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts, including case assessment, strategy development, and client counseling.Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements and related contractual documents in support of litigation and transactional risk mitigation.Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, affidavits, and other litigation documents with clear, persuasive legal writing.Conduct factual and legal research; analyze case law, statutes, and regulations to support litigation strategy and drafting.Lead and participate in all phases of discovery, including supervising document collection and review, preparing discovery plans, and coordinating with e-discovery vendors.Plan for and take and defend depositions; prepare witnesses and develop deposition strategies to obtain key testimony.Engage in settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution (mediation, arbitration) to resolve disputes cost-effectively while protecting client interests.Prepare clients and internal teams for trial and arbitration, including drafting trial briefs, exhibits, witness outlines, and chronology of events.Collaborate with partners, senior counsel, and junior attorneys to mentor staff, delegate work, and ensure high-quality deliverables and timely matter management.Support business development efforts by cultivating client relationships, drafting pitch materials, and contributing to proposals and thought leadership.Maintain accurate timekeeping and matter budgets, and ensure compliance with firm policies and ethical obligations.QualificationsJuris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in the hiring jurisdiction.3+ years of experience practicing commercial litigation at a law firm or in-house legal department (adjustable depending on level desired).Demonstrated experience in commercial litigation matters including drafting pleadings, motion practice, discovery management, and trial preparation.Proven ability to draft and negotiate commercial agreements and related contractual documents.Practical deposition experience, including taking and defending depositions; strong witness preparation skills.Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, with attention to detail and strong analytical ability.Comfortable working independently and as part of a team, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Strong client-service orientation and the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to clients and colleagues.Experience with alternative dispute resolution processes (mediation, arbitration) and familiarity with e-discovery tools preferred.Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards.