Mid-Level Litigation Associate

LeoForce; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 193,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

LeoForce is seeking a mid-level litigation associate in Portland, OR to join its litigation team. The role emphasizes drafting motions, taking depositions, and directing complex discovery across industries.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of general/commercial litigation, strong FRCP knowledge, and excellent writing and advocacy skills. Oregon bar in good standing is required. Base compensation ranges from $193,000 to $245,000 with typical billable-hours expectations.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and Oregon bar in good standing.
• 3–5 years of general/commercial litigation at a top firm or equivalent.
• Significant experience with motion practice, depositions, and complex discovery.
• Strong command of FRCP and state rules; clerkship/trial experience a plus.
• Excellent writing, advocacy, and attention to detail; multitask effectively.

Responsibilities

• Draft, research, and argue motions (including dismissals, summary judgment, and discovery).
• Take and defend fact and expert depositions; prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Lead discovery, including ESI strategy, negotiations, custodial interviews, and logs.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and written discovery; develop case strategy with partners.
• Appear at hearings and conferences; support trial preparation and teams.
• Oversee case calendars, budgets, and workstreams; supervise junior staff.
• Coordinate with subject-matter teams and interface with clients and opposing counsel.

Skills

Motions practice

Deposition experience

Legal writing

Client service

Team leadership

Education

JD from accredited law school and Oregon bar

Tools

Litigation software

Job description

Mid-Level Litigation Associate

Portland, OR, US

Job Description

Experience: Mid Level
Salary: $193,000 - $245,000 per year

Job Details

Responsibilities

• Draft, research, and argue motions (including motions to dismiss, summary judgment, and discovery motions).
• Take and defend fact and expert depositions; prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Lead discovery, including ESI strategy and negotiations, custodial interviews, protocols, privilege logs, and vendor management.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and written discovery; develop case strategy with partners and clients.
• Appear at hearings, conferences, mediations, and arbitrations; support trial preparation and trial teams.
• Oversee case calendars, budgets, and workstreams; supervise junior associates and paralegals.
• Coordinate with subject-matter teams (e.g., appellate, regulatory, investigations) as needed and interface directly with clients and opposing counsel.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school; admitted and in good standing with the Oregon bar (or eligible to obtain admission promptly).
• 3–5 years of general/commercial litigation experience at an AmLaw 100 or AmLaw 200 firm (or equivalent).
• Significant experience with motion practice, depositions, and leading/managing complex discovery (including ESI and privilege issues).
• Strong command of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence; familiarity with state procedural rules; clerkship and/or trial experience a plus.
• Exceptional writing, oral advocacy, and analytical skills; meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and drive workstreams in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with e-discovery platforms and litigation technology; strong client-service orientation and sound judgment.

Hours Expectations & Compensation

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.
To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.
The base compensation range for this position is $193,000 - $245,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.

A bit about us

My client is seeking a litigation associate with three to five years of experience to join its Litigation Practice Group in the Portland office. The associate will work closely with clients who are national leaders in the agriculture, renewable energy, timber, and mining industries.

Our Litigation Team

My client's Litigation Group consists of more than 80 accomplished litigators. Our lawyers enjoy working together and collaborating across offices to develop deep knowledge about their clients’ businesses. Our litigators represent people and entities, large and small, across diverse industries. As a member of this group, you would have the opportunity to provide regional litigation services for national companies and handle a wide variety of cases for other clients with unique litigation needs.

Why join us?

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.
To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.
The base compensation range for this position is $193,000 - $245,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.

Developing & Retaining Talent

My client places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.

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