Litigation Associate - Northern California

Litigation Associate Northern California

About the Role:

A well-established full-service law firm is seeking a talented Litigation Associate to join its growing Litigation team. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to develop a sophisticated civil litigation practice while working alongside experienced attorneys and partners in a collaborative and supportive environment.

The successful candidate will handle a broad range of complex civil litigation matters involving general liability, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, construction disputes, and professional negligence. The role provides meaningful opportunities to take ownership of litigation matters, interact directly with clients and experts, and gain hands-on experience through trial.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, subpoenas, and other litigation documents, including motions for summary judgment.
• Conduct legal research and prepare substantive legal memoranda.
• Take and defend depositions of party witnesses, experts, and other key individuals.
• Participate in client interviews and witness preparation for depositions and trial.
• Communicate with insurance professionals, in-house clients, experts, third-party administrators, opposing counsel, and witnesses.
• Attend and participate in mediations and settlement discussions.
• Attend court hearings, argue motions, and assist with trial proceedings.
• Collaborate closely with senior attorneys and partners throughout all stages of litigation, from case inception through trial.
• Assist with the defense of complex civil litigation involving high-value claims and significant exposure.
• Analyze liability, damages, contractual issues, and other substantive legal matters.
• Manage assigned litigation tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work product.

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• 3 5 years of litigation experience, preferably involving complex civil defense matters.
• Strong experience with pleadings, motion practice, discovery, depositions, and legal research.
• Experience drafting and arguing substantive motions, including summary judgment motions.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior attorneys, partners, clients, and litigation professionals.
• Strong professional judgment and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated interest in developing a long-term litigation practice.

Why Join Us:

• Work on sophisticated and high-value civil litigation matters across a diverse range of practice areas.
• Gain meaningful courtroom, deposition, mediation, and trial experience.
• Work directly with experienced litigators and partners throughout the life cycle of complex matters.
• Receive mentorship and guidance designed to support long-term career advancement.
• Develop expertise in general liability, catastrophic injury, construction, professional negligence, and other complex litigation.
• Enjoy meaningful client and expert interaction with increasing responsibility.
• Join a collaborative environment that values integrity, diversity, professional growth, and personal fulfillment.
• Benefit from a hybrid work arrangement and a reasonable billable-hours expectation.
• Build a long-term career within a respected California litigation practice.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Additional discretionary and billable-hours bonuses.
• Competitive medical and health insurance benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with partial employer match.
• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Reasonable billable-hours requirement.
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Career advancement opportunities within the firm.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.