Commercial Litigation - Associate Attorney

Wilson Elser; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement savings plan

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Corporate discounts

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking an attorney to represent businesses in complex commercial disputes in California. The role covers all phases of litigation from strategy and discovery to trial and resolution, requiring strong analytical, research, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

The ideal candidate will have a California JD and at least 2 years of commercial litigation experience, including breach of contract, D&O, and trade secret matters, with proficiency in MSJs and deposition handling.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the California bar.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in commercial litigation including breach of contract, D&O, and trade secret cases.
• Experience with motions for summary judgment, complex factual patterns, and breach of fiduciary duty.
• Ability to handle discovery disputes with minimal supervision; capable of taking depositions.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload from start to finish.
• Collaborate with other attorneys and partners.
• Appear in court and conduct depositions.
• Communicate with clients and provide status updates.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Strong writing

Advocacy

MSJ experience

Discovery handling

Depositions

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Admitted to practice in California

Job description

At Wilson Elser we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #30 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid or remote working arrangement.

The Position

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney to represent businesses and corporate clients in complex commercial disputes, including all phases of litigation from case strategy and discovery through trial and resolution. The ideal candidate has strong analytical, research, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with a commitment to delivering practical, results-oriented legal solutions.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in California
• 2+ years of experience in commercial litigation, including breach of contract, D&O, and trade secret litigation
• Experience with MSJs
• Experience with complex factual patterns and legal argument, such as nuance with contractual interpretations and breach of fiduciary duty claims
• Ability to handle discovery disputes with minimal supervision
• Ability to take depositions
• Corporate Governance experience is a plus
• Legal project management experience is helpful

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from beginning to end
• Work closely and collaborate with other attorneys and partners
• Regularly handle court appearances and depositions
• Communicate with clients and provide status reports

Wilson Elser offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our attorneys both professionally and personally.A variety of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, other business and organizational needs, and other factors permitted by law. This position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. This position is considered full-time and therefore qualifies for benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Salary Range:: $150,000 USD - $210,000 USD

Why Join Wilson Elser?

• Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
• Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicants race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Wilson Elser endeavors to make the Wilson Elser website accessible to any and all users. You may review our Accessibility Policy here.

California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.

Wilson Elser participates in the federal E-Verify program. With respect to all new hires, we provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Please review the official posters for detailed information regarding your rights and protections

• Download the E-Verify Participation Poster (English & Spanish)
• Download the Right to Work Poster (English & Spanish)