Securities Litigation Associate – Complex Securities Class Actions

Wicker Hamilton Limited; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Wicker Hamilton Limited seeks a Securities Litigation Associate to join its nationally recognized plaintiff-side practice in San Francisco or Boston. The role focuses on complex securities class actions with a strong emphasis on writing and research, collaborating with senior attorneys on strategy, and handling significant matters.

The position offers a competitive salary range ($160,000–$220,000+) with discretionary bonus, a hybrid schedule (three in-office days), and meaningful opportunities

Qualifications

• 4–10 years of securities litigation experience, including class actions.
• Experience at leading defense or plaintiff-side firms.
• Strong research and brief-writing abilities to support complex motions.
• JD from a reputable law school; strong academic credentials.

Responsibilities

• Litigate complex securities fraud and class actions throughout the litigation lifecycle.
• Draft complaints, motions, briefs, and other submissions.
• Conduct advanced research on federal securities law and case law.
• Develop arguments and contribute to litigation strategy.
• Manage discovery, analyze evidence, and prepare for depositions.
• Collaborate with partners and senior attorneys on disputes.
• Assist with trial preparation and litigation stages.
• Identify issues and develop innovative approaches to resolving them.

Skills

Securities litigation

Legal writing

Analytical abilities

Brief writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

AI research tools

Job description

Securities Litigation Associate - Complex Securities Class Actions

Location: San Francisco, CA or Boston, MA

Salary: $160,000-$220,000+ | Discretionary Bonus

Experience: 4-10 Years

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with a nationally recognized, top-tier plaintiff-side securities litigation firm seeking a talented Securities Litigation Associate to join its growing practice in San Francisco or Boston.

The firm is consistently recognized by leading legal directories for its work in complex securities litigation and represents institutional investors in sophisticated, high-stakes disputes against some of the nation's largest corporations and defense firms.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with strong securities litigation experience, exceptional legal writing abilities and a genuine interest in representing plaintiffs in complex securities class actions.

Attorneys from leading defense firms and established plaintiff-side securities litigation practices are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Litigate sophisticated securities fraud and securities class action matters throughout the litigation lifecycle.
• Draft compelling complaints, substantive motions, opposition briefs and other complex legal submissions.
• Conduct advanced legal research involving federal securities laws, case law and procedural issues.
• Develop creative legal arguments and contribute to overall litigation strategy.
• Manage complex discovery, analyze evidence and prepare for depositions.
• Collaborate closely with partners and senior attorneys on significant securities disputes.
• Assist with trial preparation and other critical stages of litigation.
• Identify complex legal issues and develop innovative approaches to resolving them.

Candidate Requirements

• 4-10 years of litigation experience, with substantial exposure to securities litigation and class actions.
• Experience gained at a leading defense firm or reputable plaintiff-side securities litigation practice.
• Demonstrated experience handling securities litigation matters, including pleadings, discovery and substantive motion practice.
• Exceptional legal research, analytical and brief-writing abilities - essential.
• Experience with securities class actions rather than solely general commercial litigation.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from a reputable, accredited law school; strong academic credentials preferred.
• Strong understanding of federal securities law and relevant case law.
• Creative, intellectually curious approach to developing legal arguments.
• Genuine interest in plaintiff-side securities litigation and representing institutional investors.
• Ability to work in-office Tuesday through Thursday in San Francisco or Boston.

Candidates without direct securities litigation experience may be considered exceptionally where they demonstrate outstanding academic and law firm credentials alongside significant experience in highly complex class action litigation.

General commercial litigation, routine consumer disputes, wage-and-hour litigation or other lower-complexity matters alone will not satisfy the firm's requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at a nationally recognized litigation firm or highly regarded securities litigation boutique.
• Experience prosecuting or defending sophisticated securities fraud class actions.
• Exposure to litigation involving publicly traded companies, institutional investors or complex financial transactions.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted legal research tools.
• A stable employment history demonstrating meaningful progression and professional development.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive base salary of $160,000-$220,000+, commensurate with experience, plus discretionary bonus.
• Join one of the country's highly regarded plaintiff-side securities litigation practices.
• Work on sophisticated, high-profile matters against leading national defense firms.
• No minimum billable-hours requirement.
• Meaningful responsibility, direct partner collaboration and involvement in litigation strategy.
• Selective caseload focused on substantial, meritorious securities claims.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and long-term career growth.
• Generous vacation benefits and approximately 11-12 recognized legal holidays annually.
• Hybrid schedule requiring three days in-office.