Litigation Associate

SkyWater Search Partners; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Business development support

Collaborative culture

Job summary

SkyWater Search Partners seeks a litigation associate in Los Angeles with 2-4 years of experience to handle sophisticated disputes across entertainment, employment, IP, real estate, and construction. The ideal candidate is forward-thinking, well-rounded, and capable of leadership within the firm and the wider legal community.

The role offers exposure to depositions, court hearings, jury trials, arbitrations, and significant client relationship management, with merit-based advancement in a

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of law firm experience handling sophisticated disputes.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Proactive, self-directed approach to the work.
• Demonstrated success collaborating in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Strong problem-solving and ability to develop creative solutions for clients.
• Ability to engage directly with clients, lead significant projects, and deliver excellent client service.
• Strong academic credentials from a nationally recognized law school.
• Active California bar admission required.

Responsibilities

• Take and defend depositions and participate in court hearings.
• Play key roles in jury trials and arbitrations.
• Manage client relationships and lead significant projects.
• Collaborate with partners and associates on high-stakes disputes.

Skills

2-4 years litigation experience

Excellent written and verbal skills

Client interaction and leadership

Creative problem-solving

California bar admission

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized law school

Job description

An established midsize Los Angeles firm known for high-profile business litigation is seeking a litigation associate with 2-4 years of experience. The litigation team handles sophisticated business disputes and complex commercial litigation across a range of subject areas, including entertainment, employment, intellectual property, real estate, and construction. The ideal candidate is forward-thinking and well-rounded, with the potential to become a leader both within the firm and in the broader legal community.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of law firm experience handling sophisticated disputes
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and advocacy skills
• A proactive, self-directed approach to the work
• Demonstrated success collaborating in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop creative solutions for clients
• Ability to engage directly with clients, lead significant projects, and deliver excellent client service
• Strong academic credentials from a nationally recognized law school
• Active California bar admission required

What the Firm Offers

• Early, substantive experience. Associates take and defend depositions, handle court hearings, play key roles in jury trials and arbitrations, and manage client relationships. Because of the firm's size, every litigator contributes meaningfully, and advancement is merit-based.
• High-stakes work. The firm regularly represents sophisticated clients in their most important and sensitive disputes, where the issues are complex and far-reaching.
• A flexible path to partnership. Partnership timing is driven by each associate's development, contributions to the firm and the legal community, and demonstrated potential as a business developer, rather than a fixed lockstep schedule.
• Dedicated mentorship. Each new associate is paired with both a partner mentor and an associate mentor to support onboarding and integration.
• Business development support. Associates work with the firm's marketing and business development team to build a personal business plan aligned with their career goals.
• Collaborative culture. Business casual, open-door environment with an informal management structure. Community involvement is actively encouraged and supported.

Compensation

Base salary range: $220,000 to $265,000. Total compensation also includes discretionary bonuses.