Commercial Litigation Associate

Dentons; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 148,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Dentons US LLP in Honolulu seeks an experienced Commercial Litigation Associate to handle disputes from filing to appeal, collaborating with partners and clients on complex matters.

Candidates should have 3–7 years of commercial litigation experience, strong writing and oral advocacy, and be licensed to practice in Hawai'i. The firm offers a competitive compensation package and a path for growth.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of complex and sophisticated commercial litigation experience is required.
• Strong litigation writing, court/deposition experience, and case management skills are required.
• Active admission to the Hawai'i bar or eligibility to practice in Hawai'i is expected.
• Prior law firm experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work on all aspects of disputes from inception through trial and appeal.
• Appear and argue in state and federal trial and appellate courts.
• Take and defend depositions and coordinate with witnesses and experts.
• Draft briefs, pleadings, motions and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda.
• Manage complex disputes including discovery and document review.
• Support business development and other litigation-related matters.

Skills

Complex commercial litigation

Litigation writing

Deposition experience

Court experience

Education

J.D. required

Job description

Commercial Litigation Associate - Honolulu

Culture and Engagement at Dentons

Fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture is a core priority at Dentons. We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the contributions of all colleagues. By attracting, supporting, promoting and retaining highly qualified individuals of various backgrounds and experiences, we strengthen our ability to provide innovative solutions, deliver exceptional client service, and advance the success of our Firm. Dentons takes an active approach to promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace by investing in professional development and culture initiatives.

Responsibilities and practice

Dentons US LLP is seeking an associate to join our nationally recognized Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice. Candidates should be self-starting with an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellent client service, proven ability to manage complex litigation and investigations, and strong academic credentials.

Our associates work collaboratively with our partners and clients, and are key members of our team. Expected responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Working on all aspects of disputes from inception through trial and appeal
• Appearing/arguing in state and federal trial and appellate courts
• Taking and defending depositions and related work with witnesses and experts
• Drafting and preparing trial court, arbitration, and appellate briefs, pleadings, motions and other documents
• Conducting legal research and writing memoranda
• Managing complex disputes, including running discovery and complex document review
• Supporting the team on business development and other litigation-related matters as needed

This is an excellent opportunity to work with dedicated lawyers who are passionate about their work, all while enjoying the benefits of an international law firm. Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution lawyers employ the most appropriate tools and strategies for each stage of the process and each unique situation, and clients turn to our team for the intellectual savvy, creativity and depth we bring to high‑stakes and complex disputes, wherever they may arise. Together, we tackle challenges efficiently and effectively so that our clients can move ahead.

Pursuant to Hawai`i law, the salary range for this position in Honolulu is $147,500 to $170,000, based on experience. Based on years of experience, Dentons US LLP associates may have a title of Associate, Managing Associate, or Senior Managing Associate. Dentons US LLP offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, short-term/long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

Personal skills/attributes

• Exceptional writing and analytical skills, with the ability to effectively communicate research and analysis through meaningful written work product
• Demonstrates an ability to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients, as well as adversaries and courts
• Applies strong problem‑solving skills and uses research, legal knowledge and expertise to tackle complex problems
• Demonstrates sound judgment and possesses keen attention to detail
• Possesses superior organizational and time‑management skills
• Embraces teamwork and values collaboration

Technical skills

• 3-7 years of complex and sophisticated commercial litigation experience is required
• Strong litigation skills – persuasive legal writing on sophisticated legal issues, acting as the case management lead, taking depositions, and demonstration of superb oratory skills – are required
• Deposition and court experience is preferred
• Previous law firm experience is strongly preferred
• Federal District Court or Appellate clerkship is a plus

Other requirements

• Must be licensed to practice law and be in good standing in the State of Hawai`i
• Submission of a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample
• Demonstrated commitment to the legal community – bench/bar leadership, significant and sustained pro bono efforts – is a plus

Equal opportunities

Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability/Vet. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.