Litigation Associate

Hoge Fenton, a distinguished multi-service law firm headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a Litigation Associate with demonstrated experience in legal malpractice defense and business litigation. This is an opportunity to join a collegial, collaborative team and handle substantive, complex matters from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and litigate legal malpractice defense matters, including defending attorneys and law firms against professional liability claims
• Handle complex business litigation matters involving breach of contract, partnership disputes, trade secret misappropriation, unfair business practices, and related claims
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis; develop and execute case strategy with partner oversight
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents with precision and attention to detail
• Take and defend depositions of fact witnesses, opposing parties, and expert witnesses
• Prepare for and participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, hearings, and trials to achieve favorable outcomes for clients
• Directly communicate with clients to provide updates, manage expectations, and build lasting relationships

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Active membership in the State Bar of California
• 4-6 years of litigation experience, with a focus on legal malpractice defense and/or business litigation
• Strong working knowledge of the California Code of Civil Procedure and Evidence Code
• Experience independently managing client matters, including discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation
• Proven ability to draft and argue dispositive motions, including demurrers, motions for summary judgment, and motions in limine
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Desire to invest in building a future with a mid-sized law firm

Location

This position can be based in our Silicon Valley (downtown San Jose), Tri-Valley (Pleasanton), or Peninsula (San Mateo) office. Travel between locations may be necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $175,000 to $225,000. This range reflects the firm's good faith estimate of potential compensation, which may vary based on experience, qualifications, and skill set.

Recruiter Notice
Hoge Fenton is not accepting recruiter or agency submissions for this position. Unsolicited resumes from search firms will not be considered, and no fees will be paid for candidates submitted without a prior written agreement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Hoge Fenton has a strong commitment to diversity. We strive to recruit and retain a workforce that welcomes and supports the interests of women, families, and individuals of all ages, races, creeds, religions, colors, national origins, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities/gender expressions, disabilities, or military and veteran statuses. Our environment is collegial, collaborative, flexible, and supportive.