Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Our premier, national law firm is seeking a talented and driven Litigation & Trial Attorney with 3 to 5 years of experience to join our fast-paced San Francisco office . This role is designed for a skilled advocate who has mastered the fundamentals of litigation and is ready to take a leading role in courtroom strategy, depositions, and trial preparation. You will work alongside top-tier partners on complex, high-stakes matters, gaining immediate, substantive hands-on experience and a clear path toward partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Trial Preparation & Strategy: Work directly with trial teams to develop case theories, draft trial briefs, prepare motions in limine, manage jury selection strategy, and organize complex evidence for trial presentation.
• Courtroom Advocacy: Argue substantive motions, handle evidentiary hearings, and serve as second-chair (with opportunities for first-chair) at trials and arbitrations in both state and federal courts.
• Depositions & Discovery: Draft and respond to complex discovery requests, manage electronic discovery (e-discovery) workflows, and defend/take depositions of key witnesses, experts, and corporate representatives.
• Brief & Motion Writing: Draft high-quality pleadings, demurrers, motions for summary judgment, and appellate briefs demanding sophisticated legal analysis.
• Client & Case Management: Maintain direct communication with corporate clients, providing risk assessments, strategic case updates, and preparing witnesses for testimony.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3–5 years of experience as a litigation associate, preferably within a regional or Am Law ranked firm.
• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school with a strong academic record.
• Bar Admission: Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California is strictly required.
• Skills: Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, strong analytical capabilities, and deep familiarity with California Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP).
• Work Ethic: Ability to manage multiple case deadlines independently, collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, and thrive under trial pressure.

What We Offer

• Compensation: Highly competitive base salary matching San Francisco market rates, plus a performance-based billable hour bonus structure.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) match; generous parental leave; and tech/wellness stipends.
• Professional Development: Direct mentorship from seasoned trial partners, formal trial advocacy training programs, and clear, transparent metrics for career advancement.