Commercial Litigation Associate

About the role

You will manage complex civil disputes from initial client intake through final resolution, ensuring strategic alignment with client business objectives. You will take ownership of case theory development, shaping the narrative of each dispute to withstand rigorous judicial scrutiny and adversarial challenge. The role requires you to drive litigation workflows independently, coordinating with senior attorneys and clients to meet critical deadlines and control project risk. You will conduct in-depth factual investigations, dissect procedural histories, and translate dense records into actionable litigation strategies. You are expected to assume responsibility for discovery oversight, including the preservation, collection, and production of documents in a defensible manner. You will draft persuasive pleadings, motions, and correspondence that reflect precise legal analysis and superior written advocacy. The position demands proactive communication with clients, keeping them informed of case developments and strategic decisions in a clear and timely fashion. You will contribute to the collaborative team environment by sharing insights, supporting colleagues on larger matters, and participating in the growth of the group's collective expertise.

Key facts

What you'll do

Orchestrate litigation docket management and timelines to ensure compliance with court filing deadlines and client expectations.

Execute comprehensive discovery protocols, including document review planning, witness preparation, and response strategy for interrogatories and requests for production.

Draft and file motions for summary judgment, to compel, to dismiss, and other dispositive motions, applying nuanced interpretations of controlling precedent.

Conduct and observe depositions, formulating targeted lines of questioning to develop favorable testimony and preserve impeachment material.

Investigate and analyze complex factual scenarios, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential counterarguments early in case assessment.

Coordinate trial preparation activities, including exhibit organization, witness coordination, and collaboration with expert witnesses on technical issues.

Develop and supervise case budgets, tracking outside counsel spend and internal resource allocation to maintain fiscal discipline on client matters.

Monitor emerging case law and statutory developments, assessing how new rulings may impact ongoing litigation and settlement negotiations.

Provide mentorship to junior associates and paralegals by delegating tasks, reviewing work product, and fostering professional skill development.

Engage in alternative dispute resolution efforts, such as mediation and arbitration, evaluating risks and benefits of settlement versus continued litigation.

Requirements

Candidates must possess 3 to 6 years of litigation experience at a law firm, representing clients in both CA state court, as well as federal court, in all phases of litigation, including: discovery, depositions, motion drafting, and hearings.

Admission to the California Bar is required to practice law in this jurisdiction and represent clients before the bench.

Applicants should have a proven track record of handling contentious matters in a professional and ethical manner, maintaining client confidentiality at all times.

Strong academic credentials from a Top 50 law school are essential, demonstrating foundational knowledge of legal principles and analytical rigor.

Outstanding writing, research, and analytical skills are required to craft compelling arguments and navigate dense factual and procedural records.

The ideal candidate must be highly motivated to be part of an active trial practice, showing initiative and a willingness to take on substantial responsibility early in their career.

Individuals must exhibit the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively within a large, collaborative team, communicating clearly with colleagues, clients, and opposing counsel.

Reliability and professionalism are mandatory, as the role involves managing sensitive client information and high-stakes legal proceedings.

Nice to have

Trial experience or trial preparation experience is a plus, providing familiarity with courtroom procedures and persuasive storytelling.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in the Los Angeles office.

The compensation details are not specified in the available source information.

There is no mention of travel requirements, visa sponsorship, or specific application deadlines in the provided source.