Litigation Associate - Complex Litigation/Environmental Litigation

Litigation Associate - Complex Litigation/Environmental Litigation; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

The role of Litigation Associate in San Francisco is with a premier international law firm known for handling complex commercial and environmental matters. It offers a significant platform to lead multi-jurisdictional litigation teams and work directly with clients on strategy, pleadings, and high-stakes disputes.

The position is onsite with salary in a broad six-figure range, reflecting experience and market demand.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of litigation experience at a law firm.
• Experience with complex commercial or environmental litigation.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Admission to the California State Bar (or eligibility to waive in).
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment with sophisticated institutional clients.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex commercial litigation matters from inception through resolution, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Manage environmental litigation matters, including regulatory disputes and contamination claims.
• Conduct legal research and draft substantive briefs, motions, and memoranda for federal and state court proceedings.
• Take and defend depositions, manage document review, and coordinate with expert witnesses.
• Advise clients on litigation strategy, risk assessment, and case management across multi-jurisdictional matters.
• Collaborate with partners and senior associates on high-profile, fast-paced litigation engagements.
• Interface directly with clients to provide updates, strategic counsel, and responsive legal support.

Skills

Complex commercial litigation

Environmental litigation

Regulatory litigation

Legal research & writing

Deposition & discovery management

Education

California Bar Admission

Job description

Litigation Associate - Complex Litigation/Environmental Litigation

• Title of Role: Litigation Associate - Complex Litigation/Environmental Litigation
• Location: San Francisco, onsite
• Company Stage of Funding: Venture-Backed — Law Practice
• Office Type: Onsite
• Salary: $260K–$365K

Company Description

We're representing a globally recognized international law firm with a strong strategic presence across multiple continents. With a history spanning over seven decades, this firm has deliberately evolved to meet the complex legal needs of its clients. The San Francisco office is a key hub for sophisticated litigation, providing a collaborative environment that emphasizes excellence and client service.

What You Will Do

• Handle complex commercial litigation matters from inception through resolution, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Manage environmental litigation matters, including regulatory disputes and contamination claims.
• Conduct legal research and draft substantive briefs, motions, and memoranda for federal and state court proceedings.
• Take and defend depositions, manage document review, and coordinate with expert witnesses.
• Advise clients on litigation strategy, risk assessment, and case management across multi-jurisdictional matters.
• Collaborate with partners and senior associates on high-profile, fast-paced litigation engagements.
• Interface directly with clients to provide updates, strategic counsel, and responsive legal support.

Ideal Candidate Background

• 3–5 years of litigation experience at a law firm, with meaningful exposure to complex commercial or environmental litigation.
• Strong academic credentials and admission to the California State Bar (or eligibility to waive in).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously with a high degree of independence and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, with experience drafting dispositive motions and court filings.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment with sophisticated institutional clients.

Preferred

• Prior experience specifically in environmental litigation, including matters involving regulatory frameworks.
• Clerkship experience at the federal or state appellate level.
• Experience in multi-party or class action litigation.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary for this role ranges from $260,000 to $365,000, commensurate with experience. The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with professional development resources and access to a global network of attorneys.