Commercial Litigation Associate

Lockridge Partners; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Lockridge Partners in San Francisco seeks a mid-level associate to handle complex commercial disputes for technology companies, investors, executives, and other businesses. The role offers hybrid work flexibility and substantial exposure to depositions, motions, and client contact. Compensation ranges from $225,000-$365,000, depending on experience and results.

Ideal candidates have a J.D. from an accredited law school, California Bar admission, and 3–6 years of commercial litigation experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the California Bar.
• 3-6 years of commercial litigation experience at a law firm.
• Experience handling sophisticated business disputes in state or federal court.
• Strong brief-writing, legal research, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Deposition, motion argument, mediation, arbitration, or trial experience preferred.
• Ability to take substantive ownership of matters while communicating effectively with clients and senior attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex commercial litigation in California state and federal courts from initial pleadings through trial preparation
• Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, discovery motions, briefs, and other substantive litigation filings
• Take and defend depositions and participate in hearings, arguments, mediations, and other proceedings
• Develop case strategy, manage discovery, work with experts, and take ownership of significant portions of matters
• Advise and communicate directly with clients regarding litigation strategy, risk, and potential resolution
• Work closely with experienced trial attorneys while developing the skills and judgment to independently manage sophisticated disputes

Skills

Legal research

Brief-writing

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

California Bar admission

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

A sophisticated San Francisco litigation practice is seeking a mid-level associate to handle complex commercial disputes for technology companies, investors, executives, and other businesses. The practice handles high-stakes matters involving contracts, business torts, partnerships, corporate governance, trade secrets, and other significant commercial conflicts in state and federal courts. Associates are expected to become substantive litigators, with meaningful opportunities to take depositions, argue motions, work directly with clients, and own significant portions of cases. Compensation ranges from $225,000-$365,000, depending on experience.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Handle complex commercial litigation in California state and federal courts from initial pleadings through trial preparation


• Draft pleadings, dispositive motions, discovery motions, briefs, and other substantive litigation filings


• Take and defend depositions and participate in hearings, arguments, mediations, and other proceedings


• Develop case strategy, manage discovery, work with experts, and take ownership of significant portions of matters


• Advise and communicate directly with clients regarding litigation strategy, risk, and potential resolution


• Work closely with experienced trial attorneys while developing the skills and judgment to independently manage sophisticated disputes

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the California Bar


• 3-6 years of commercial litigation experience at a law firm


• Experience handling sophisticated business disputes in state or federal court


• Strong brief-writing, legal research, analytical, and oral advocacy skills


• Deposition, motion argument, mediation, arbitration, or trial experience is preferred


• Ability to take substantive ownership of matters while communicating effectively with clients and senior attorneys

WHAT WE OFFER

A platform for commercial litigators who want sophisticated Bay Area work without remaining buried inside oversized case teams. The role combines $225,000-$365,000 in annual compensation with hybrid flexibility, direct client exposure, meaningful deposition and advocacy opportunities, close access to experienced trial lawyers, and increasing ownership of complex matters. The goal is straightforward: develop associates into lawyers capable of actually running significant commercial disputes.