Litigation Associate (1,650 hours)

Swan Legal Search; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Swan Legal Search in San Francisco is seeking a 2-4 year associate for its commercial litigation practice. The firm targets hands-on responsibility with a 1650-hour annual expectation and offers sophisticated work on small teams, with significant client contact and mentoring.

The practice emphasizes complex commercial litigation and trade secret disputes. Associates are expected to develop as well-rounded litigators, take meaningful responsibility early, and contribute to case and trial strategy

Qualifications

• J.D. from a Top 20 US-based law school.
• 2–4 years of commercial litigation experience at AmLaw 200 firm or top litigation boutique.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience with complex commercial litigation; trade secret litigation helpful.

Responsibilities

• Taking and defending depositions.
• Arguing motions and appearing in court.
• Preparing and working directly with witnesses.
• Helping develop case and trial strategy.
• Drafting motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation materials.
• Managing discovery and other aspects of cases.
• Working directly with partners and clients.
• Preparing matters for trial.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Drafting motions

Trial experience

Depositions

Client communication

Education

J.D. from a Top 20 US law school

Job description

A highly regarded San Francisco litigation boutique is seeking a 2nd-4th year associate to join its commercial litigation practice. The firm has a 1650-hour annual expectation and offers sophisticated litigation work on small teams, with significantly more hands-on responsibility than associates typically receive at larger firms.

The practice includes complex commercial litigation and trade secret disputes. Associates are expected to develop as well-rounded litigators and take meaningful responsibility for matters early in their careers.

Responsibilities include:

• Taking and defending depositions
• Arguing motions and appearing in court
• Preparing and working directly with witnesses
• Helping develop case and trial strategy
• Drafting motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation materials
• Managing discovery and other aspects of cases
• Working directly with partners and clients
• Preparing matters for trial

Required Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of commercial litigation experience at am AmLaw 200 firm or top litigation boutique
• J.D. from a Top 20 US-based law school
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Experience with complex commercial litigation
• Trade secret litigation experience helpful but not required
• Interest in taking depositions, appearing in court, and developing meaningful trial experience

Confidentiality

All communication is confidential. Swan Legal Search will not share your materials without your prior consent.