Mid-Level Litigation Associate

Stoel; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 295,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoel Rives LLP in San Francisco seeks a litigation associate with 3–6 years of general/commercial litigation experience to join its Litigation Practice Group. The role emphasizes motions, depositions, discovery, and trial preparation, with supervision of junior staff and close client collaboration.

The firm handles complex, high-stakes disputes across state and federal courts, and offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and leadership within the practice group.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and in good standing in California.
• 3–6 years of general/commercial litigation at a major firm or equivalently.
• Strong motion practice, depositions, and complex discovery experience.
• Solid knowledge of FRCP, evidentiary rules, and related procedures.
• Excellent writing, advocacy, and multitasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Draft, research, and argue motions (dismissal, summary judgment, discovery).
• Take and defend depositions; prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Lead discovery including ESI strategy and negotiations; manage custodians.
• Prepare pleadings and briefs; shape case strategy with partners/clients.
• Appear at hearings and mediations; support trial teams and preparation.
• Supervise junior associates and paralegals; manage calendars and budgets.
• Coordinate with subject-matter teams and interface with clients and opponents.

Skills

Motions practice

Depositions

Discovery management

Pleadings and briefs

Trial support

Client interface

ESI and litigation tech

Education

JD from an accredited law school

California bar admission

Tools

Litigation technology

Job description

Stoel Rives LLP is seeking a litigation associate with three to six years of experience to join its Litigation Practice Group in the San Francisco office.

Our Litigation Team

Stoel Rives' litigators are trial lawyers. We handle-and win-contentious, complex, and high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies across the country. We handle a wide variety of disputes with an emphasis on environmental, antitrust, class action, intellectual property, and securities litigation, as well as white-collar criminal matters and internal investigations. We represent major companies, institutions, and individuals across a number of industries, including energy, healthcare, insurance, real estate, financial services, semiconductor, manufacturing, and consumer goods.

We have over 80 trial lawyers across nine offices. Our litigation group consistently has been recognized in the top tiers of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business and Best Law Firms .

Responsibilities (will vary based on years of experience):

• 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 California bar.
• 3-6 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. Bonuses are based on meeting or exceeded hours thresholds at 1850 billable hours, 1900 billable hours, and 1950 billable hours.

The base compensation range for this position is $220,000 - $295,000, 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

Stoel Rives 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.

To learn more about the benefit