Mid-Level Commercial Litigation Associate

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 330,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

11 paid holidays

401(k) retirement planning

FSAs (Health Care/Dependent Care)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Commuter/transit programs

Annual discretionary bonus

Job summary

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP seeks a midlevel associate to join its robust Litigation practice in Seattle. The associate will work closely with clients and case teams on complex commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration and other dispute resolution proceedings.

This role offers significant responsibility, direct client interaction, and opportunities to contribute to all phases of litigation strategy and case development.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice in Washington, or ability to waive in promptly.
• 2–4 years of relevant litigation experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience managing discovery, drafting motions, and handling court appearances.

Responsibilities

• Manage all stages of litigation, including investigation, research, pleadings, discovery, depositions, hearings, and trial prep.
• Draft and argue substantive motions and assist with appellate briefing.
• Conduct and defend depositions, manage discovery and e‑discovery platforms.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to develop case strategy and provide practical legal advice.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, courts, experts, and internal teams.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and paralegals as appropriate.
• Contribute to business development, client service initiatives, and firm culture efforts.

Skills

Litigation

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Team collaboration

Client communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

eDiscovery platforms

Job description

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP seeks a midlevel associate to join its robust Litigation practice in Seattle.

The associate will work closely with clients and case teams on complex commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration and other dispute resolution proceedings. This role offers significant responsibility, direct client interaction, and opportunities to contribute to all phases of litigation strategy and case development.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support all stages of litigation, including fact investigation, legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, discovery, depositions, hearings, and trial preparation.
• Draft and argue substantive motions and assist with appellate briefing as needed.
• Conduct and defend depositions, manage document discovery, and work with e‑discovery platforms and vendors.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to develop case strategy and provide practical, business‑focused legal advice.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, courts, experts, and internal teams.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and paralegals as appropriate.
• Contribute to business development, client service initiatives, and firm culture efforts.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice in Washington, or ability to waive in promptly.
• 2–4 years of relevant litigation experience at a law firm, clerkship, or comparable legal environment.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience managing discovery, drafting motions, and handling court appearances.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Strong academic credentials and a commitment to client service excellence.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: The annualized salary range for this position is $225,000 to $330,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on the candidate’s education, training, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.

• Full‑time employees may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance (with an optional Health Savings Account), dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, and disability.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Full‑time employees receive sick leave benefits in accordance with the appropriate state Sick & Safe Leave Policy. Attorneys generally take approximately three weeks of vacation annually, though the exact amount may vary depending on client and firm needs. The firm also provides 11 paid holidays each year.
• Additional programs: Employees may participate in 401(k) retirement planning, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Available voluntary benefits include accident, life, disability, long‑term care, and pet insurance. Commuter and transit programs are also available. Full‑time employees may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Application

If you are ready to take your career to the next level and be part of a firm where your contributions are recognized and valued, please submit a cover letter addressed to Valerie Hawley, Lawyer Talent Acquisition Specialist; resume; a copy of your law school transcript; and a writing sample. We are accepting third‑party submissions at this time.

EEO & Diversity Statement

Davis Wright Tremaine embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. It brings out the best of what each individual has to offer and inspires us to build strong and lasting connections with each other, our clients, and our communities. We are committed to creating and cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive environment where every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy to hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all employment‑related decisions without regard to an employee’s sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), race, color, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal laws. Davis Wright Tremaine provides reasonable accommodations for those who need them to complete the application or recruiting process and for employees who need reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their positions due to a disability or for religious reasons. If you need to request accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please email [e-mail].