Business Litigation Associate

Protouch Staffing; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Flexibility

Job summary

This San Jose-based law firm is seeking a Litigation Associate with a strong background in legal malpractice defense and business litigation. You will manage and litigate complex matters from day one, including depositions, motions, and trials, while coordinating with partners and clients.

The role requires 4–6 years of relevant experience, California bar admission, and a JD from an accredited law school. Hybrid scheduling and collaboration across offices are available.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• 4–6 years of litigation experience focusing on legal malpractice defense and/or business litigation.
• Strong working knowledge of the California Code of Civil Procedure and Evidence Code.
• Experience independently managing client matters, including discovery, motions, depositions, and trial preparation.
• Proven ability to draft and argue dispositive motions, including demurrers, motions for summary judgment, and motions in limine.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Desire to invest in building a future with a mid-sized law firm.

Responsibilities

• Manage and litigate legal malpractice defense matters, including defending attorneys and law firms against professional liability claims.
• Handle complex business litigation matters involving breach of contract, partnership disputes, trade secret misappropriation, unfair business practices, and related claims.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis; develop and execute case strategy with partner oversight.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents with precision and attention to detail.
• Take and defend depositions of fact witnesses, opposing parties, and expert witnesses.
• Prepare for and participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, hearings, and trials to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
• Directly communicate with clients to provide updates, manage expectations, and build lasting relationships.

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Our client is a distinguished multi-service law firm headquartered in downtown San Jose, is seeking a Litigation Associate with demonstrated experience in legal malpractice defense and/or business litigation. This is an opportunity to join a collegial, collaborative team and handle substantive, complex matters from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and litigate legal malpractice defense matters, including defending attorneys and law firms against professional liability claims
• Handle complex business litigation matters involving breach of contract, partnership disputes, trade secret misappropriation, unfair business practices, and related claims
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis; develop and execute case strategy with partner oversight
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents with precision and attention to detail
• Take and defend depositions of fact witnesses, opposing parties, and expert witnesses
• Prepare for and participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, hearings, and trials to achieve favorable outcomes for clients
• Directly communicate with clients to provide updates, manage expectations, and build lasting relationships

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Active membership in the State Bar of California
• 4-6 years of litigation experience, with a focus on legal malpractice defense and/or business litigation
• Strong working knowledge of the California Code of Civil Procedure and Evidence Code
• Experience independently managing client matters, including discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation
• Proven ability to draft and argue dispositive motions, including demurrers, motions for summary judgment, and motions in limine
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Desire to invest in building a future with a mid-sized law firm

Location

This position can be based in our Silicon Valley (downtown San Jose, Tri-Valley (Pleasanton), or Peninsula (San Mateo) office. Travel between locations may be necessary.

Benefits & Compensation

• Base salary: $175,000-$225,000 for the Litigation Associate role.
• Billable requirement: Minimum 1,700 billable hours annually.
• Bonus: The firm offers strong bonus opportunities for attorneys who exceed the 1,700-hour minimum.
• Hybrid Flexibility