Hybrid | San Francisco, CA Direct Hire / Permanent Placement
HireNow Staffing is actively recruiting three seasoned, highly skilled Associate Attorneys on behalf of a valued client partner, an established civil litigation defense firm with a multi-office platform. HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for these Associate Attorney opportunities.
We are seeking California-licensed attorneys who are eager to expand litigation experience, manage meaningful responsibilities, and grow within a collaborative defense practice. These hires will work alongside experienced litigators while gaining direct exposure to court appearances, depositions, motion practice, client management, and trial preparation.
HireNow Disqualifier: Candidates with jumpy or unstable resumes will not be accepted or interviewed. We are prioritizing attorneys with consistent tenure, growth-minded career progression, and long-term interest in litigation practice.
Key Responsibilities
Handle civil litigation matters through all phases of the case lifecycle
Appear in court for hearings, conferences, motions, and procedural matters
Draft pleadings, motions, oppositions, discovery responses, and legal memoranda
Conduct written discovery, document review, and case investigations
Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts as experience allows
Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and negotiation strategy
Support pre-trial preparation including exhibits, witness prep, and trial filings
Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and case updates
Collaborate with partners and senior attorneys on litigation strategy and file management
Contribute to a team-oriented practice environment focused on quality legal work
Required Qualifications (Highly Important)
Active California Bar license in good standing
1+ year of civil litigation experience preferred; strong newer attorneys with relevant clerkship or litigation exposure may be considered
Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills
Ability to manage deadlines, priorities, and multiple matters effectively
Professional communication skills with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and internal teams
Demonstrated interest in litigation practice and long-term professional growth
Strong work ethic, accountability, and responsiveness
Stable employment history with clear progression; candidates with jumpy resumes will not be considered
Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Valued)
Civil defense litigation background
Motion drafting and hearing experience
Deposition, mediation, or trial preparation exposure
Insurance defense, premises liability, transportation, construction defect, or commercial litigation experience
Experience handling client reporting and file ownership responsibilities
Desire to pursue partnership track advancement
Prior experience in fast-paced litigation firms
HireNow Disqualifiers
No active California Bar license
Need for visa sponsorship (not available)
No meaningful litigation exposure without transferable legal experience
Frequent job changes without clear rationale or progression
Inability to manage deadlines or communicate professionally in client-facing settings
HireNow Checklist
HireNow Staffing is recruiting candidates who meet the following profile:
Active California Bar membership in good standing 1+ year civil litigation experience preferred Strong drafting, research, and case management skills Motivated to grow in courtroom and litigation responsibilities Professional communicator with client-service mindset Team-oriented with strong ownership mentality Interested in long-term advancement within a stable firm Able to work hybrid in San Francisco, CA Stable resume with consistent progression
Standout Candidates Include:
Attorneys with early deposition and motion practice experience Associates from defense firms seeking greater responsibility Lawyers interested in partnership-track career growth Candidates with strong academic credentials and litigation drive
HireNow Package
Base Salary: $130,000 – $200,000 (depending on experience)
Bonuses: Billing metrics bonus program + annual performance bonus
Career Growth: Partnership track + client development support
Work Location: Hybrid – San Francisco, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time / Direct Hire
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
HireNow Staffing Disclaimer
All candidate information is handled confidentially and evaluated against defined requirements. This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties may evolve based on client needs and business growth. Only candidates meeting the core qualifications will be considered for interview.