Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney

Kutak Rock; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) retirement plan

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Kutak Rock LLP in Irvine seeks an Associate to join our Litigation practice. This role focuses on civil litigation with opportunities to take a substantive and leading role across real estate, commercial, employment, and consumer finance matters while collaborating with partners and clients.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of civil litigation defense experience, excellent written and oral advocacy skills, and a commitment to professional excellence in a busy, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Active California bar admission in good standing.
• At least 3 years of civil litigation defense experience.
• Strong writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage broad range of civil litigation matters in federal/state courts and arbitration.
• Lead case strategy, coordinate discovery, and liaise with clients and partners.
• Prepare for hearings, depositions, and trial activities.

Skills

Civil litigation

Oral & written communication

Legal research

Strategic thinking

Independent work

Team collaboration

Client interaction

Education

Active California Bar License

3+ years civil litigation defense

Job description

The future depends on what you do today…

Marketing content goe shere. Smith Jones LLP is an industry-leading law firm, always looking for talented, hardworking and creative individuals to join our team. Review our current opportunities below to find out how you can play an important role in our success.

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Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney

Position Name Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney

Office Irvine

Year 2026

Practice Area Litigation Department

Description JOB SUMMARY Kutak Rock LLP seeks an Associate to join our Litigation practice in our Irvine office. This dynamic role is ideal for an attorney with experience in civil litigation and interest in developing their knowledge and skills in complex litigation, taking a substantive and leading role in a variety of matters including real estate, commercial, employment, and consumer finance litigation while working closely with experienced partners and clients.
Kutak Rock, a U.S. News and World Report rated “Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms”, provides associates the opportunity to grow their legal career in a collegial and collaborative environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a broad range of complex litigation matters in federal and state courts, as well as arbitration forums, across the country
• Handle aspects of complex civil litigation matters, including client communications, motion practice, discovery, court appearances, mediations and negotiating settlements
• Taking and defending fact and expert depositions
  

QUALIFICATIONS: Skills and Abilities

• Desire to take on substantive and leading roles in cases, including attendance at hearings, depositions, and trial
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as exceptional research skills
• Possess a strategic and analytical mindset with a commitment to excellence and professionalism
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and deliver timely, quality assignments in fast paced environment
• Ability and confidence to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment
• Commitment to interacting directly with and achieving the goals of firm clients
  

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience

• Must be admitted to practice with an active bar license in good standing within the state of California
• Minimum of 3 or more years in civil litigation defense required
• Candidates with experience in one or more of the following: complex business litigation, real estate, and/or employment litigation, preferred
  

Position Information Status: Exempt Salary Range: $175,000-$200,000 base salary, commensurate with education and experience, plus discretionary bonus Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with supervising attorney approval
Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Dependent Life, Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. Flexible Spending Plan. Health Savings Account. Fertility coverage assistance. Adoption and surrogacy financial assistance. Nine Paid Holidays per calendar year. Flexible paid vacation leave. 1 hour of paid sick leave accrued for every 30 hours worked. Paid parental leave. Bereavement, jury duty, military leave. Profit-Sharing and 401(k) Retirement benefits. Discretionary bonuses. Employee Assistance Program. Back-Up Care. Domestic Partner Benefits. Technology Allowance. Some of the foregoing benefits include Employer/Employee cost sharing.
Additional Information Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Consideration of any background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO).
About the Firm Kutak Rock was formed in 1965 with a commitment to exceptional client service delivered with a collaborative, team-focused approach. Our founding charter commits the firm to “allow and encourage each individual within it to be a full person,” and we strive to offer an exceptional professional environment, intellectually challenging and engaging work in multiple disciplines, competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for training and career development. We are a leading national law firm with locations in 21 cities united by our common commitment to our core values of client service; integrity and fairness; innovation; and inclusiveness and diversity.
We are dedicated to the maintenance of a respectful, collegial, communicative, and equal opportunity workplace that encourages and rewards innovation and entrepreneurship. We measure our success not just on the basis of our revenues or our profits, but by the satisfaction we deliver for our clients and the health, engagement and loyalty of our people.