Business Litigation Associate

The Agency; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) match

Bar association dues coverage

CLE allowance

Job summary

The Agency in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Business Litigation Associate with 5 to 10 years of dedicated commercial litigation experience. The role handles high-stakes disputes, including breach of contract, corporate governance, and real estate, across California state and federal courts.

Requirements include active California Bar status, J.D. from ABA‑accredited school, strong research and writing skills, and a track record of independent court appearances.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• 5–10 years of commercial business litigation experience.
• Strong courtroom experience including oral arguments and depositions.
• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school; federal/state clerkship is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex commercial litigation files from inception through trial or resolution.
• Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, and trial briefs for state/federal courts.
• Take and defend depositions; argue motions and manage discovery.
• Oversee complex electronic discovery and third-party subpoenas.
• Prepare matters for bench and jury trials, arbitrations, and mediations.

Skills

Case Management

Pleadings & Motions

Depositions & Court Appearances

Trial Preparation ADR

Client Management

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Federal or state clerkship plus

Job description

Firm Overview:

Preeminent boutique firm in Los Angeles is seeking an experienced, high-performing Senior Business Litigation Associate with 5 to 10 years of dedicated commercial litigation experience to join their Los Angeles office. The litigation practice handles complex, high-stakes business disputes, breach of contract, partnership dissolutions, corporate governance, commercial real estate, and financial institution litigation across California state and federal courts.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management & Strategy: Manage complex commercial litigation files independently from inception through trial or resolution, including developing case strategy, managing discovery pipelines, and advising corporate clients.
• Pleadings & Motion Practice: Draft compelling, high-level pleadings, dispositive motions (demurrers, motions to dismiss, summary judgment), and trial briefs in State Superior Court and U.S. District Courts.
• Depositions & Court Appearances: Take and defend depositions of key witnesses, party representatives, and financial experts; argue substantive and discovery motions in court.
• Discovery Supervision: Direct complex electronic discovery (eDiscovery), written discovery requests/responses, and third-party subpoenas.
• Trial Preparation & ADR: Prepare matters for bench and jury trials, arbitrations (AAA/JAMS), and judicial mediations; assist partners in trial execution as second-chair.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bar Admission: Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California (required).
• Experience: 5-10 years of commercial business litigation experience within a defense law firm or litigation boutique.
• Courtroom Experience: Proven record of independent court appearances, oral arguments, and taking/defending depositions.
• Academic Credentials: J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic achievement. Prior federal or state court judicial clerkship is a strong plus.
• Skills: Exceptional legal research, drafting, analytical thinking, and client management capabilities.
• Base Salary Scale: $200,000 – $250,000 annually (Exact placement within the range is a good-faith estimate determined by class year, depth of trial/deposition experience, and overall background).
• Annual Billable Target: 1,550 hours per year.
• Bonus Structure: Quarterly and Annual Bonuses
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) match; bar association dues coverage; continuing legal education (CLE) allowance; hybrid work flexibility.