Business Litigation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Counsel, a California law firm, seeks a Litigation Associate Attorney to handle complex general litigation from research to trial preparation. You will work closely with experienced litigators in a collaborative environment.

The role is hybrid after 90 days, with three days in the office and up to two days remote per week, and offers a salary range of $160,000 to $210,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active California State Bar in good standing.
• 2–6 years of substantive complex general litigation experience.
• Experience drafting and arguing dispositive and non-dispositive motions.
• Experience taking and defending depositions; managing discovery and trial preparation.
• Trial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation through all phases, including pre-litigation strategy, pleadings, discovery, and trial preparation.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, including dispositive motions.
• Take and defend depositions and prepare witnesses for depositions and hearings.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic analysis on complex business disputes.
• Appear at hearings, case management conferences, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Collaborate with partners, senior associates, clients, and team members to develop litigation strategy.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

California State Bar membership

Job description

Locations: Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA

About the Opportunity

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney to join a respected California law firm with offices throughout the state. The firm represents businesses, business owners, individuals, emerging companies, and nonprofits in sophisticated litigation and business matters.

This attorney will handle complex general litigation matters through all phases of a case, including legal research, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, hearings, mediation, and trial preparation. The role offers meaningful hands‑on experience working closely with experienced litigators and trial attorneys in a collaborative environment.

The position is hybrid after 90 days, with three days in the office and up to two days remote per week.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation matters through all phases, including pre‑litigation strategy, pleadings, discovery, law and motion practice, mediation, trial preparation, and post‑trial proceedings
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, including dispositive motions such as demurrers and motions for summary judgment
• Take and defend depositions and prepare witnesses for depositions and hearings
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic analysis on complex business‑related disputes
• Appear at hearings, case management conferences, mediations, and arbitrations
• Assist with trial preparation, including exhibit preparation, witness outlines, and coordination with experts
• Collaborate with partners, senior associates, clients, and other team members to develop litigation strategy and efficiently manage cases
• Prepare matters for mediation and trial, including developing case themes and coordinating key case tasks
• 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
• 2-6 years of substantive complex general litigation experience
• Experience drafting and arguing dispositive and non‑dispositive motions
• Experience taking and defending depositions and managing matters through discovery, motion practice, mediation, and trial preparation
• Trial experience preferred
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative, client‑focused approach
• Ability to independently manage multiple matters and deadlines while exercising sound judgment with minimal supervision

Compensation

$160,000–$210,000, depending on experience and qualifications.