Business and Environmental Litigation Associate

Firm Overview

Location: Sacramento, CA (Hybrid: 2–3 days in-office per week)

Our Client is a premier, full-service Sacramento business law firm consistently recognized with Tier One rankings by U.S. News - Best Lawyers / Best Law Firms in Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Real Estate Law, as well as named among Fortune's Top Ranked Law Firms. The firm fosters a collegial, growth-oriented environment where associates receive direct partner mentorship, early hands-on litigation experience, and realistic long-term career advancement.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Business and Environmental Litigation Associate with 1 to 5 years of civil litigation experience to join a collaborative litigation practice group. This position is ideal for motivated junior to mid-level litigators—including high-potential candidates with approximately 1 year of law firm experience—who are eager to take on meaningful responsibility in complex business and environmental disputes for top regional clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management & Strategy: Manage day-to-day aspects of business litigation and environmental litigation matters under partner guidance.
• Pleadings & Motion Practice: Draft pleadings, pre-trial motions, legal briefs, and dispositive motions.
• Discovery: Formulate strategy, draft written discovery requests, respond to discovery, and assist in managing document reviews and depositions.
• Legal Research: Perform comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case strategy and advise clients.
• Collaboration & Advocacy: Work closely with partners and clients in a fast-paced, small litigation group setting.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school with a strong academic record (law school transcript required).
• California Bar Membership: Active license in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Experience: 1 to 5 years of civil litigation experience at a law firm (candidates with ~1 year of strong firm experience will be considered).
• Litigation Skills: Substantial experience drafting pleadings, handling discovery, and preparing motion practice.
• Research & Writing: Exceptional legal analysis, research, and drafting skills (writing sample required).
• Work Arrangement: Based in or willing to relocate to Sacramento, CA, with the ability to work in-office 2–3 days per week.
• Soft Skills: Team-oriented, highly organized, responsive, and adaptable in a collaborative firm culture.

Preferred Qualifications & Backgrounds

• Experience handling business, commercial, or environmental litigation matters.
• Experience at a California mid-size or large law firm.
• High class rank, Law Review, Journal, or Moot Court participation.

Compensation & Key Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary: $165,000 – $185,000 commensurate with experience.
• Performance Bonus: Discretionary bonus program providing up to $50,000 for associates exceeding 1,750 billable hours.
• Retirement Plan: Automatic 7.5% firm contribution to retirement plan (increasing up to ~11% with additional contributions over the Social Security threshold)—no employee match required.
• Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: Hybrid work schedule (2–3 days in office).
• Professional Support: Paid parking, dedicated MCLE budget, and individual marketing/business development budgets for every attorney.
• Mentorship: Formal professional development and mentorship program built into the associate experience.