Litigation Associate – Northern California

Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP; California; Hybrid; USD 158,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health insurance

401(k) with partial match

Annual discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP seeks a Litigation Associate in Northern California with 3–5 years of experience to join its expanding team. The role focuses on drafting extensive litigation documents, depositions, and complex civil matters, including general liability and construction disputes.

A strong background in research and writing is essential for successful client representation and trial preparation.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of litigation experience preferred.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills required.
• Experience taking and defending depositions is expected.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests/responses, subpoenas, and other litigation documents.
• Engage with clients, insurers, experts, and opposing counsel.
• Take and defend depositions of key witnesses and experts.
• Perform legal research and prepare memoranda on substantive issues.
• Participate in client interviews and witness preparation for depositions and trials.
• Attend mediations and court hearings; assist in trial proceedings as needed.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys and partners throughout all litigation stages.
• Assist in defense of complex civil matters: general liability, construction disputes, and related claims.

Skills

Litigation experience

Research & writing

Deposition experience

Job description

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Litigation Associate – Northern California

Jan 30, 2026

Burke, Williams & Sorensen is a full-service law firm with deep expertise in litigation and provides high-quality legal services to public agencies, private entities, and individuals throughout California. Burke offers a collaborative environment where attorneys work alongside seasoned practitioners to deliver effective and strategic representation. We are seeking an associate with 3-5 years of experience to join the expanding Litigation team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, and be prepared to engage in the following duties:

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests/responses, subpoenas, and additional litigation documents, inclusive of motions for summary judgment
• Engage with insurance professionals, in-house clients, experts, third-party administrators, opposing counsel, and witnesses
• Take and defend depositions, including of key party witnesses and experts
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on substantive legal issues
• Participate in client interviews and witness preparation, for depositions and at trial
• Attend and participate in mediations
• Attend court hearings, argue motions, and assist in trial proceedings as appropriate.
• Collaborate closely with senior attorneys and partners throughout all stages of litigation, from inception through trial
• Assist in the defense of complex civil litigation matters, including:
  • General liability cases, encompassing high-value claims arising from motor vehicle collisions, trucking litigation, premises liability, workplace accidents, professional negligence, and products liability disputes, including cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death
  • Construction litigation matters, including breach of contract disputes and property damage claims arising from construction and design defects

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $158,000 – $190,000 plus annual performance-based bonuses. The actual salary within that range will depend on the selected candidate’s years of practice and experience. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. The firm offers a hybrid work arrangement option, reasonable billable hours requirement, annual discretionary and billable hours bonuses, competitive health insurance benefits, and 401(k) with a partial match.

We promote an environment that encourages mentoring attorneys to advance in the firm and their careers. Burke supports integrity, diversity, professional growth, and personal fulfillment for everyone working at our firm.

EOE.