Litigation Associate

Buchanan; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 215,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Mentorship and training

Job summary

Buchanan is seeking a Litigation Associate to join its complex litigation practice in Minneapolis. The successful candidate will handle high-stakes matters across industries, including state and federal courts and arbitration, collaborating with a respected litigation team.

Ideal candidates have 3-6 years of experience, strong advocacy and case-management skills, and an active Minnesota bar. This role offers significant responsibility and opportunities for professional growth within the firm.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3-6 years of litigation experience gained at a regional, national, or well-regarded local law firm.
• Experience drafting pleadings, motions, and briefing on complex matters.
• Proficiency managing e-discovery and complex fact development.
• Experience taking and defending depositions and appearing in court on pre-trial matters.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy abilities.
• Active Minnesota bar admission or eligibility to become admitted.

Responsibilities

• Draft and manage pleadings, motions, and legal briefs in complex litigation matters.
• Conduct fact development and e-discovery management for large-scale cases.
• Take and defend depositions and assist in developing case strategy.
• Appear in state and federal courts on motions and other pre-trial matters.
• Support trial preparation, arbitration proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution processes including mediation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to address complex legal, factual, and strategic issues affecting client matters.

Skills

Litigation experience (3-6 years)

Drafting pleadings

Depositions

Oral advocacy

E-discovery management

Case strategy

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Overview

A leading national law firm is seeking a Litigation Associate to join its complex litigation practice in Minneapolis. The successful candidate will work on a wide range of high-stakes litigation matters across multiple industries, including cases in state and federal courts as well as arbitration proceedings.

This opportunity is particularly well suited to a 3-6 year associate looking to take on meaningful responsibility in sophisticated litigation matters while developing their advocacy and case management skills within a collaborative and highly regarded litigation team.

What You'll Do

• Draft and manage pleadings, motions, and legal briefs in complex litigation matters.
• Conduct fact development and e-discovery management for large-scale cases.
• Take and defend depositions and assist in developing case strategy.
• Appear in state and federal courts on motions and other pre-trial matters.
• Support trial preparation, arbitration proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution processes including mediation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to address complex legal, factual, and strategic issues affecting client matters.

About You

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3-6 years of litigation experience gained at a regional, national, or well-regarded local law firm.
• Experience drafting pleadings, motions, and briefing on complex matters.
• Proficiency managing e-discovery and complex fact development.
• Experience taking and defending depositions and appearing in court on pre-trial matters.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy abilities.
• Active Minnesota bar admission or eligibility to become admitted.

Why Apply?

• Base salary range: $215,000-235,000 depending on experience.
• Discretionary performance-based bonus tied to an approximate 1,850 billable hour target.
• Competitive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to work on complex litigation and high-value disputes.
• Exposure to state, federal, and arbitration proceedings.
• Collaborative team environment with strong mentorship and training.
• Clear opportunities for professional development and long-term career growth.

The Process

• Two-stage interview process.