Financial Services Litigation Attorney

Join Our Team: SW&M is on the lookout for a talented Financial Services Litigation Attorney to join our close-knit team. If you are passionate about litigation but seeking a different vibe from the traditional big law firms, look no further! What Sets Us Apart: Styskal, Wiese & Melchione, LLP (“SW&M”) is an innovative, transactional-based, boutique law firm with 17 attorneys. At our firm, we offer the best of both worlds – the expertise and professionalism of in-house counsel combined with the supportive, collaborative, and highly knowledgeable environment of a boutique firm. As recognized leaders in the Credit Union and Banking Industry, with a strong national presence and reputation, we focus our practice very similarly to that of in-house counsel, providing transactional advice and counsel to all business units of financial institutions and overseeing litigation. SW&M offers its clients unsurpassed expertise, service, and exceptional counsel on the broad range of issues affecting the banking and financial industry. The firm’s practice areas encompass a full range of legal representation, including issues related to corporate governance, regulatory compliance, employment, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, real estate, technology contracts, intellectual property, member accounts, chartering, field of membership and commercial lending. The Role: In this position, you'll be responsible for handling a diverse range of litigation matters, offering strategic counsel to clients, and guiding them through all stages of the dispute resolution process. You will play a key role in developing case strategies, managing discovery, drafting motions, negotiating resolutions, and representing clients in court and other proceedings. You will play a pivotal role within our team, committed to delivering practical, strategic, and exceptional legal solutions for our clients. Manage and litigate matters in California state courts through all phases of litigation, from initial case assessment through resolution, trial, or appeal, as appropriate. Develop and implement litigation strategies that align with clients’ legal, business, and risk-management objectives. Draft, review, and revise pleadings, motions, briefs, and other court filings. Manage all aspects of written discovery, including drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, and related discovery correspondence and motions. Prepare for, take, and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts. Handle contract disputes, business tort claims, and other complex commercial litigation matters. Conduct legal research and factual investigations and provide clear, practical, and strategic advice regarding litigation risks, potential exposure, and resolution strategies. Represent clients in court proceedings, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, settlement negotiations, and other dispute resolution proceedings. Manage document review and e-discovery processes, including working with e-discovery platforms and coordinating document collection, review, and production. Collaborate with clients, attorneys, experts, vendors, and other stakeholders to efficiently manage matters and meet case deadlines. Maintain responsibility for multiple active matters while ensuring high-quality work product, responsiveness, and compliance with applicable court rules and deadlines. Assist with the supervision and mentorship of junior attorneys and other legal professionals, as appropriate. General Attributes Strong working knowledge of litigation procedures, rules of civil procedure, discovery practices, evidentiary issues, and dispute resolution strategies; experience with litigation involving financial institutions, fintech companies, or other regulated entities is highly preferred. Proficiency with e-discovery platforms and managing electronic discovery workflows, including document collection, review, production, and related discovery processes. Strong analytical abilities to effectively identify, research, analyze, and communicate legal issues, assess potential exposure and litigation risk, develop alternative strategies, and make well-reasoned recommendations. Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines, and communicate clearly and professionally in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, courts, vendors, and internal and external contacts at all levels. Excellent communication, organization, legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to draft clear, persuasive, and well-supported pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents. Ability to identify and analyze complex legal, factual, procedural, and regulatory issues and provide practical, strategic advice to clients. Ability to exercise sound judgment, take ownership of matters, and work both independently and collaboratively as part of a litigation team. Possess a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to mentor junior attorneys, promote collaboration, and support knowledge-sharing initiatives within the firm. Qualifications (Education / Experience) J.D. from a top-tier U.S. law school Licensed in California (additional state license(s) ideal) 2-6 years of experience as an attorney at a reputable law firm or in-house legal department handling a broad range of litigation matters, including advising clients on dispute strategy, managing discovery, drafting motions and other pleadings, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court and other proceedings. Experience handling litigation matters, including drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, conducting legal research, developing case strategy, and negotiating settlements. Trial preparation and participation experience, including depositions, hearings, arbitrations, mediations, and trials, is preferred. Experience working with e-discovery platforms and managing electronic discovery workflows, including document collection, review, production, and related discovery processes. Experience with DISCO is preferred. Experience with arbitration proceedings and familiarity with major arbitration forums, including the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and JAMS. The firm’s clients are almost exclusively financial institutions; therefore, candidates with experience handling litigation and disputes in the financial services industry are highly preferred. Competitive salary: The base salary range for this position is $160,000.00 - $240,000.00. Please note that actual salaries will be based on the individual’s job-related experience, education, skillset, training, certifications, market demands and overall qualifications. Please also note the range listed is just one component of the company’s total compensation package. Benefits: 401K Profit Sharing Plan, Healthcare Coverage (medical, vision & dental), Life Insurance Coverage, Disability Benefits, Paid Parking, Discretionary Time Away, Paid Sick Time. Opportunities for professional growth and development. A supportive and inclusive work environment. Flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Exclusive boxed suite sporting events, access to semi-private gym, and frequent social events. Location: Glendale, CA Schedule: Full-time; This position is onsite. Following demonstrated success in the role, a hybrid work arrangement may be considered at the discretion of the Partners. Classification: Exempt Styskal, Wiese & Melchione, LLP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. Note to Agencies: SW&M LLP does not accept resume submissions from agencies outside of existing agreements. Please do not send resumes to SW&M LLP. SW&M LLP is not responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited resume submissions. #J-18808-Ljbffr SW&M LLP