Civil Litigation Associate Attorney

Job Title

Boutique civil litigation firm is seeking a talented and motivated associate attorney with one to three years of civil litigation experience to join our San Francisco office.

Job Description

This position is well suited for an attorney who wants meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, courtroom experience, and close mentorship from experienced litigators. Our associates are not limited to research assignments or isolated portions of cases. They participate in matters from initial evaluation through discovery, depositions, mediation, arbitration, and trial. Our practice includes employment, real estate, business, personal injury, insurance, construction, and other civil litigation matters. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants, providing our attorneys with broad and practical litigation experience.

Responsibilities The associate will work closely with the firm's attorneys while developing increasing responsibility for managing cases. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting complaints, answers, motions, briefs, and other pleadings
• Conducting sophisticated legal research and analysis
• Preparing and responding to written discovery
• Taking and defending depositions
• Communicating directly with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and witnesses
• Preparing for and appearing at hearings, case management conferences, and other court proceedings
• Assisting with and attending mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• Evaluating claims, defenses, damages, and settlement strategy
• Managing deadlines and maintaining organized case files
• Developing practical litigation strategies designed to achieve strong client outcomes

Qualifications The successful candidate should have:

• One to three years of civil litigation experience
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Experience drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery
• Excellent organizational and case-management abilities
• The judgment and confidence to communicate directly with clients and opposing counsel
• A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work
• The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• A professional, ethical, and solution-oriented approach to client representation

Preferred experience: Depositions, courtroom appearances, mediation, or trial experience is preferred but not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who are eager to develop those skills and assume meaningful responsibility early in their careers.