Complex Commercial Litigation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Direct Counsel seeks a Litigation Associate Attorney in San Diego or San Francisco to join a leading Am Law 100 practice. The ideal candidate has 1+ years of experience in complex litigation, with strong research, brief writing, and discovery skills.

The attorney will collaborate with senior litigators, contribute to client development, and participate in strategy and case management. Hybrid schedule and comprehensive benefits supported by the firm.

Qualifications

• J.D. or LL.M. from ABA‑accredited law school required.
• Admission to the California Bar required.
• Experience with complex litigation and strong legal research/writing skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex litigation matters through pretrial, discovery, trial, and appellate proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and draft briefs, motions, and other documents.
• Manage and participate in document production and discovery.
• Collaborate with attorneys on litigation strategy and case management.
• Assist with client development activities, including publications and speaking engagements.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Client development (plus)

Education

J.D. or LL.M. from ABA‑accredited law school

California Bar admission

Job description

Litigation Associate Attorney

Location: San Diego, CA or San Francisco, CA

Experience: 1+ Years

Salary: $235,000--$365,000 + Bonus

About the Firm

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney to join a leading Am Law 100 firm with more than 500 attorneys and offices across the United States and internationally. The firm represents businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and other clients in complex litigation, transactional, regulatory, and industry-specific matters.

About the Position

The firm is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney with 1+ years of experience to join its high-profile litigation practice in San Diego or San Francisco. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in complex litigation and experience with legal research, brief writing, document production, and discovery.

This attorney will work collaboratively with experienced litigators and contribute to the continued growth of the practice, including through client development activities, publications, speaking engagements, and other business development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex litigation matters through pretrial, discovery, trial, and appellate proceedings
• Conduct legal research and draft briefs, motions, and other legal documents
• Manage and participate in document production and discovery
• Collaborate with attorneys and other team members on litigation strategy and case management
• Assist with client development activities, including articles and speaking engagements
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients and colleagues
• Manage competing priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail

Qualifications

• JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to the California Bar
1+ years of experience handling complex litigation matters
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team
• Experience with white‑collar defense, government or internal investigations, and/or real‑estate‑related litigation is a plus
• Judicial clerkship experience is a plus

Additional Information

The firm operates on a hybrid schedule, with attorneys expected to work from the office approximately 60% of the timein accordance with firm guidelines.

Salary: $235,000--$365,000, plus bonus eligibility and comprehensive benefits.