Litigation Associate

Job Title : Litigation Associate

Location: San Clemente, CA or Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Work Arrangement: Fully In-Office

Compensation: $185,000 – $235,000

Experience Level: 2–6 Years

About the Opportunity

A boutique litigation firm founded by a former federal prosecutor is seeking a Litigation Associate to join its growing team in Southern California. The firm handles sophisticated matters involving complex commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and bankruptcy litigation.

This role offers significant responsibility, meaningful courtroom exposure, direct client interaction, and close mentorship from experienced trial attorneys. It is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is passionate about litigation and committed to developing into a first-chair trial lawyer.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage matters across complex commercial litigation, white-collar defense, and bankruptcy litigation

• Handle case files from initial pleadings through discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation

• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation-related documents

• Conduct and defend depositions

• Develop litigation strategy in collaboration with partners and clients

• Participate in court appearances, motion arguments, hearings, and witness examinations

• Manage discovery and coordinate all aspects of case development

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school

• 2–6 years of civil litigation experience at a law firm

• Strong experience with discovery, motion practice, and case management

• California Bar admission or willingness to sit for the California Bar

• Excellent legal writing, analytical, and advocacy skills

• Genuine interest in becoming a trial attorney

• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate of a Top 50 law school or a highly regarded California law school, such as Loyola, UC Davis, UC Irvine, or similar institutions

• Trial experience or substantial courtroom exposure

• Experience in white-collar criminal defense

• Experience in bankruptcy litigation

• Background in BigLaw, respected litigation boutiques, or government litigation roles, including AUSA or ADA experience

• Candidates from New York or Washington, D.C. with strong civil litigation experience are encouraged to apply

What the Firm Offers

• Competitive compensation ranging from $185,000 to $235,000

• Direct mentorship from experienced litigators and former federal prosecutors

• Significant courtroom and deposition experience

• Early responsibility and client contact

• Exposure to high-stakes commercial, criminal, and bankruptcy matters

• Collegial and supportive firm culture

• Clear path toward becoming a skilled trial attorney

Relocation & Sponsorship

• Visa sponsorship available for qualified candidates

• Firm will cover bar preparation support, study leave, and relocation assistance for the right candidate

Please note: This is a fully in-office position. Candidates must be committed to working onsite in either the San Clemente or Downtown Los Angeles office.