Non-Equity Shareholder – Business & Commercial Litigation

Boutique Recruiting; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Origination bonus

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited PTO

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Boutique Recruiting is assisting a California law firm in seeking a Non-Equity Shareholder for Business & Commercial Litigation. The role focuses on leadership, strategy, and first-chair trial work while mentoring associates.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of business/commercial litigation, is an active California State Bar member, and demonstrates a collaborative leadership style with strong trial experience. Relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of business and/or commercial litigation experience.
• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• Hands-on litigation experience managing matters independently with first-chair trial experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; collaborative, low-ego leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Manage business and commercial litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Develop case strategy and handle law and motion, depositions, discovery, mediations, trial preparation, and trials.
• Serve as first-chair trial counsel on complex litigation matters.
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to associates across varying experience levels.
• Assist junior associates with legal research, case strategy, and professional development.
• Oversee caseload priorities, deadlines and quality of work across assigned matters.
• Participate in monthly litigation practice group meetings and contribute to the continued development of the practice.
• Collaborate with shareholders, attorneys, paralegals and other practice groups on sophisticated client matters.
• Maintain a target of approximately 1,550 billable hours annually.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Collaboration

First-chair experience

Trial preparation

Education

Active California State Bar

Job description

Position Title: Non-Equity Shareholder - Business & Commercial Litigation

This is an opportunity for an accomplished litigator to step into a leadership role with a highly respected California law firm and build toward equity ownership. The Non-Equity Shareholder will manage a sophisticated business and commercial litigation caseload while mentoring associates and helping lead the firm's litigation practice. This role will handle matters from strategy through resolution, including law and motion, depositions, trial preparation, and first-chair trial work, while providing hands-on guidance to a talented team of associates.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned California litigator who combines strong courtroom experience with exceptional judgment, leadership, and a collaborative approach to practicing law.

Responsibilities

• Manage business and commercial litigation matters from inception through resolution
• Develop case strategy and handle law and motion, depositions, discovery, mediations, trial preparation, and trials
• Serve as first-chair trial counsel on complex litigation matters
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to associates across varying experience levels
• Assist junior associates with legal research, case strategy, and professional development
• Oversee caseload priorities, deadlines and quality of work across assigned matters
• Participate in monthly litigation practice group meetings and contribute to the continued development of the practice
• Collaborate with shareholders, attorneys, paralegals and other practice groups on sophisticated client matters
• Maintain a target of approximately 1,550 billable hours annually

Requirements

• 7+ years of business and/or commercial litigation experience
• Active membership in the California State Bar
• Significant hands-on litigation experience managing matters independently
• First-chair trial experience required
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, supervising, or leading associate attorneys
• Strong experience with depositions, motion practice, case strategy, and trial preparation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong judgment, work ethic, and ability to manage competing litigation deadlines
• Collaborative, low-ego leadership style with a genuine interest in developing other attorneys
• Real property, real estate, and/or employment litigation experience is a plus
• Portable book of business is not required, though existing client relationships are welcomed

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to billable hours and fees collected
• Origination bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, life, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Unlimited PTO + Paid federal holidays
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates