Commercial Litigation Associate

A California-based law firm is seeking a Litigation Associate with 2-3 years of experience to join its litigation team. This position offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated business and commercial disputes through all phases of litigation, including legal research, drafting pleadings and discovery, attending hearings and depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation.

The firm's litigation practice represents clients in a wide range of disputes involving business and commercial matters, real estate, construction, contract disputes, fraud claims, corporate governance issues, and other complex civil litigation matters.

This role provides significant client exposure, meaningful responsibility, and hands-on experience working closely with experienced litigators on high-stakes matters. The ideal candidate will possess strong academic credentials, excellent legal writing and analytical abilities, and a collaborative approach to client service.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation matters through all phases, including case assessment, pleadings, discovery, law and motion practice, mediation, trial preparation, and post-trial proceedings.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests, and discovery responses.
• Prepare and argue motions, including dispositive and other substantive motions.
• Conduct legal research and develop strategic recommendations for complex litigation matters.
• Participate in taking and defending depositions and preparing witnesses for testimony.
• Appear at hearings, case management conferences, mediations, arbitrations, and other proceedings.
• Assist with trial preparation, including exhibit management, witness preparation, coordination with experts, and development of case strategy.
• Work closely with partners, associates, and clients to manage cases efficiently and effectively.
• Communicate regularly with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and third-party vendors.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• 2-3 years of commercial, business, or complex civil litigation experience.
• Experience drafting motions, discovery, legal memoranda, and other litigation-related documents.
• Deposition experience preferred.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to assume increasing responsibility with limited supervision.