Commercial Litigation Attorney Associate – Complex Business Disputes

Direct Counsel is seeking a talented Commercial Litigation Associate with approximately 4–5 years of experience to join a sophisticated commercial litigation practice in Washington, D.C.

This is an excellent opportunity for a litigator with meaningful experience handling complex commercial disputes who wants greater substantive responsibility, direct collaboration with experienced trial lawyers, and continued development in depositions, motion practice, oral advocacy, and trial preparation.

Location

Washington, D.C.

Position Overview

The Commercial Litigation Associate will work on sophisticated, high-stakes disputes and take meaningful responsibility across all phases of litigation. The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex matters, handling written discovery, drafting substantive pleadings and motions, taking and defending depositions, and supporting cases through trial.

Candidates should be strong writers and analytical thinkers with a genuine interest in oral advocacy and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage substantive aspects of complex commercial litigation matters from initial pleadings through resolution and trial.
• Conduct sophisticated legal research and develop case strategy.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive litigation filings.
• Handle all aspects of written discovery, including drafting and responding to discovery requests.
• Prepare for, take, and defend depositions.
• Prepare witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trial.
• Participate in and argue substantive motions and court proceedings.
• Assist with all aspects of trial preparation and trial support.
• Work directly with senior attorneys on sophisticated, high-stakes business disputes.
• Independently manage assignments, deadlines, and significant aspects of complex matters while collaborating effectively with the broader litigation team.

Qualifications

• Approximately 4–5 years of commercial litigation experience.
• Active admission to the Washington, D.C. Bar is required.
• Experience handling significant aspects of complex litigation, including:
• Written discovery
• Pleadings and motion practice
• Depositions
• Witness preparation
• Trial preparation
• Strong interest in and experience with oral advocacy.
• Outstanding academic credentials.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong case-management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative litigation team.
• Proactive approach and ability to thrive on sophisticated, fast-moving matters.

Preferred Experience

• Comparable law firm and/or judicial clerkship experience.
• Experience with both plaintiff-side and defense-side commercial litigation is a plus.
• Exposure to disputes involving:
• Digital assets and cryptocurrency
• Corporate governance
• Business divorces, including partnership and shareholder disputes
• Insurance coverage and recovery
• Representation of corporate policyholders in insurance matters

Compensation

• Base Salary: $285,000–$325,000, depending on experience.
• Eligibility for a substantial annual bonus that scales with experience and performance.
• Additional high-performance bonus opportunities may be available for attorneys who achieve exceptional results and production.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Why This Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside high-performing trial lawyers on sophisticated and challenging commercial disputes while gaining meaningful responsibility for the work that develops strong litigators - discovery, depositions, motion practice, witness preparation, oral advocacy, and trial work.

The practice is particularly well suited for a proactive associate who wants accelerated professional development, close collaboration with senior attorneys, and exposure to high-stakes disputes across emerging and traditional areas of commercial litigation.

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier legal employers and fostering inclusive hiring practices.