Complex Commercial Litigation Associate

gpac; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship by partner

Work-life balance

Partnership track

Job summary

Confidential Search is seeking a Complex Commercial Litigation Associate (4+ years) in California. Roles can be based in Manhattan Beach or Downtown Los Angeles, or fully remote within CA.

You will handle a varied docket across state and federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit, spanning IP, trade secrets, Prop 65, Superfund, and business disputes, with growing entertainment work. The position offers mentorship, a collaborative team, and a long-term growth track while balancing work-life

Qualifications

• 4+ years of complex commercial litigation experience required.
• J.D. from a top-50 law school; Big Law training strongly preferred.
• Active California Bar membership.

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied docket of complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts across California, including the Ninth Circuit.
• Work spans intellectual property, trade secrets, Proposition 65, Superfund, and general business disputes.
• Entertainment matters comprise 10–25% of the workload and are growing.
• Arbitrations, motion practice, and occasional trials with hands-on responsibility from day one.
• Lean staffing and direct contact with clients and in-house legal teams.

Skills

Complex commercial litigation

California Bar admission

Discovery & depositions

Prop 65 / entertainment litigation

Big Law training (AmLaw)

Education

J.D. from top-50 law school

Job description

Confidential Search: Complex Commercial Litigation Associate (4+ Years)

Manhattan Beach or Downtown Los Angeles Office, or Fully Remote within California

A respected litigation boutique is adding an associate to its complex commercial litigation team. The firm was founded more than 20 years ago by attorneys who trained together in Big Law. The group represents sophisticated clients in some of California's most competitive and regulated industries, including technology, entertainment and talent representation, online retail, consumer products, sports, health care, and energy.

The Role

• Handle a varied docket of complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts across California, including the Ninth Circuit
• Work spans intellectual property (copyright and trademark), trade secrets, Proposition 65, Superfund, and general business disputes
• Entertainment matters are currently about 10 to 25% of the work, and that share is growing
• Arbitrations, motion practice, and occasional trials, with real hands-on responsibility from day one
• Lean staffing and direct contact with clients and in-house legal teams

What They're Looking For

• 4+ years of complex commercial litigation experience preferred
• J.D. from a top-50 law school; Big Law (AmLaw) training strongly preferred
• Active California Bar membership
• Discovery and deposition experience, and a willingness to do whatever the case needs. No "that's not my job" attitude
• Responsive, collaborative, and easy to work with. The team doesn't micromanage, but it wants people who stay in touch
• Prop 65 or entertainment litigation experience is a plus

Why This Opportunity

• Work from the Manhattan Beach or downtown LA office, or fully remote
• Mentorship from a partner who has worked remotely for over 10 years and enjoys developing associates
• Real work-life balance: no late-night email culture, and weekend work is rare
• A collegial, low-turnover firm where people stay for the long term
• An individualized partnership track that rewards initiative and business development, including firm-funded client events
• High-profile clients across tech, entertainment, retail, and sports

Compensation

• Base salary of about $175,000 to $225,000, depending on experience; base may be negotiable for the right candidate
• Meeting the 1,800 billable hour requirement makes you eligible for the year-end discretionary bonus (the average is about $10,000 to $25,000)
• Medical, dental, and vision (HMO fully paid), plus a 401(k)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.