Trial & Litigation Attorney (Senior Associate / Of Counsel)

Oakland, California | Full-Time | Salary | Exempt | $190,000 - $300,000 + benefits | Other office locations available in San Diego & Los Angeles

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you a seasoned litigator looking for the opportunity to handle sophisticated, high-impact cases while working alongside respected trial attorneys? We are seeking an experienced Trial & Litigation Attorney at the Senior Associate or Of Counsel level to join a highly regarded California law firm with offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Diego.

This role is ideal for an attorney who enjoys managing complex civil litigation from inception through trial and wants meaningful courtroom experience rather than being confined to document review or limited case responsibilities. You'll represent public agency clients in significant litigation matters, collaborate with accomplished attorneys across multiple offices, and have the opportunity to build a long-term practice in a collegial environment that values mentorship, autonomy, and professional growth. Experience with eminent domain is highly valued but not required.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE!

• Competitive salary ranging from $190,000–$300,000, based on experience
• Work on sophisticated, high-profile litigation matters that directly impact California public agencies
• Significant courtroom and trial opportunities—not just research and drafting
• Collaborative team culture with attorneys across multiple California offices
• High level of autonomy with support from experienced litigation leaders
• Opportunity to develop expertise in eminent domain and complex public sector litigation
• Professional development and long-term career advancement opportunities
• Exposure to complex constitutional, statutory, and civil litigation matters
• Stable, respected California law firm with an outstanding professional reputation
• Work alongside attorneys recognized for excellence in litigation and trial advocacy

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop and execute litigation strategies for complex civil litigation matters
• Independently manage cases from initial evaluation through trial and appeal when necessary
• Draft persuasive pleadings, dispositive motions, legal memoranda, and appellate-quality briefs
• Conduct legal research involving constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues
• Prepare witnesses, experts, and trial exhibits
• Conduct and defend depositions
• Lead discovery strategy, including written discovery and document management
• Represent clients during hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, arbitrations, and trials
• Advocate for public agency clients in state and federal courts
• Collaborate with attorneys across offices to deliver exceptional client service
• Maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication and strategic counsel
• Contribute to business development initiatives and firm growth opportunities

WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active membership in the California State Bar in good standing
• Minimum of seven (7) years of civil litigation experience
• Extensive law and motion practice experience in California state and federal courts
• Proven experience preparing cases for trial, including discovery, depositions, witness preparation, and evidentiary development
• Exceptional legal writing, analytical, and research skills
• Strong oral advocacy and courtroom presentation abilities
• Ability to independently manage multiple complex litigation matters
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across multiple office locations

Preferred

• Prior experience representing public entities or governmental agencies
• Experience handling eminent domain or condemnation matters
• Background in land use, municipal law, or public agency litigation
• Trial experience in complex civil litigation
• Interest in client development and growing a litigation practice
• Experience mentoring junior attorneys

ABOUT THE FIRM

This respected California law firm has built a longstanding reputation for delivering exceptional legal counsel to public agencies, municipalities, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state. Attorneys enjoy a collaborative environment where sophisticated legal work, professional development, and client service are equally valued. The firm fosters a culture of teamwork, innovation, and integrity while providing attorneys with meaningful opportunities to build successful, long-term careers handling impactful and challenging legal matters.

DISCLOSURES

Salary Transparency: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $190,000–$300,000. Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, and other job-related factors.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, California, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Reasonable accommodations will be provided throughout the application and hiring process for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law.

At-Will Employment: Employment is at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the employer at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, consistent with applicable California law.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Reference #: BSS 25-03427