Commercial Litigation Senior Associate Attorney

Litigation Senior Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Senior Associate Attorney to join a leading Am Law firm in its Newport Beach office.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior litigation associate with 5+ years of experience to join a highly regarded West Coast litigation team handling sophisticated complex commercial disputes. The role offers substantive responsibility, a collaborative team environment, and strong long-term advancement potential within a premier national platform.

Location

Newport Beach, California

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience managing complex commercial litigation matters, including drafting dispositive motions, taking and defending depositions, and overseeing e-discovery strategy and execution.

This position is best suited for an attorney who thrives in a fast-paced litigation environment, values precision and strategy, and is looking for meaningful opportunities for professional growth and increased client-facing responsibility.

This is a hybrid role requiring 3+ days per week in office.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle sophisticated commercial litigation matters from inception through resolution
• Draft and argue motions, briefs, and other key pleadings
• Take and defend depositions
• Manage e-discovery processes, including document strategy and review workflows
• Conduct complex legal research and prepare case strategy memoranda
• Develop factual records and support case themes
• Collaborate with partners and clients on litigation strategy
• Support trial preparation, witness preparation, and hearing readiness
• Manage multiple active disputes and deadlines simultaneously

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• 5+ years of complex commercial litigation experience
• Strong experience with:
  • Motion drafting
  • Depositions
  • E-discovery management
  • Complex case strategy
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral communication skills
• Strong academic credentials
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
• California Bar admission required

Compensation

Base salary range: $365,000 – $435,000

Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will be:

• Highly detail-oriented
• A sophisticated legal writer and strategist
• Comfortable managing substantial portions of high-stakes disputes
• Experienced in handling discovery and deposition strategy
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Motivated by long-term advancement opportunities

Why This Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a top-tier litigation platform known for its collegial culture, sophisticated disputes work, and strong commitment to attorney development. Ideal for a senior associate seeking complex commercial litigation, hands-on responsibility, and a clear growth trajectory.