BusinessLitigation Associate Attorney

Business Litigation Associate Attorney

Sacramento or Los Angeles, CA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney with 2–3 years of experience to join a well-established California law firm with a sophisticated business-focused litigation practice. The firm represents businesses, business owners, individuals, emerging companies, and nonprofits across a broad range of complex legal matters and offers a collegial environment with an emphasis on professional development and work-life balance.

Position Overview

The Litigation Associate Attorney will join the firm’s General Litigation practice and handle matters through all phases of litigation, working closely with experienced litigators and trial attorneys. The practice encompasses a broad range of complex business disputes, including matters involving corporate formation and operations, acquisitions and sales, intellectual property, real estate, construction, breach of contract, fraud, and interference with contractual relationships.

This position provides meaningful responsibility and hands-on experience across all stages of litigation, with opportunities to develop sophisticated research, writing, advocacy, and case-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle litigation matters through all phases, including pre-litigation strategy, pleadings, discovery, law and motion practice, mediation, trial preparation, and post-trial proceedings

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and discovery requests and responses

• Draft dispositive and non-dispositive motions, including demurrers and motions for summary judgment

• Conduct legal research and provide strategic analysis regarding complex business disputes

• Participate in taking and defending depositions and assist with witness preparation

• Respond to and prepare written discovery

• Appear at hearings, case management conferences, mediations, and arbitrations

• Assist with trial preparation, including exhibit preparation, witness outlines, and coordination with experts

• Prepare matters for mediation and trial by helping develop case themes and litigation strategy

• Collaborate closely with partners and senior associates to manage cases efficiently and advance client objectives

• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, courts, experts, and third-party vendors

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school

• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar

• 2–3 years of complex commercial litigation experience

• Experience drafting dispositive and non-dispositive motions, discovery, and legal memoranda

• Deposition experience, either taking or defending, strongly preferred

• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Collaborative, client-focused approach

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of matters and assume increasing responsibility with minimal supervision

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $160,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience.

The firm offers a supportive and collegial work environment, sophisticated litigation experience, meaningful opportunities for professional growth, and reasonable workload expectations designed to support a fulfilling professional and personal life.

Location

• Sacramento, CA

• Los Angeles, CA