Litigation Associate (2-6 Years)
San Clemente, CA or Downtown Los Angeles, CA
$185,000 - $235,000 Base + Significant Bonus Potential
A premier Southern California trial boutique is seeking a Litigation Associate with 2-6 years of experience to join its growing team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a civil litigator seeking meaningful courtroom experience, sophisticated matters, and direct mentorship from former federal prosecutors, former federal public defenders, a former U.S. Trustee, and former BigLaw litigators.
Unlike many firms where associates spend years primarily focused on discovery and document review, attorneys here take an active role in litigation strategy, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation from an early stage.
Why Attorneys Join
- Real trial and courtroom experience
- Direct mentorship from nationally respected litigators
- Complex and high-profile matters
- Flat, collaborative culture where ideas matter more than titles
- Lifestyle-focused billable expectations
- Significant bonus and origination opportunities
Practice Areas
- Complex Commercial Litigation
- White Collar Criminal Defense & Investigations
- Bankruptcy & Insolvency Litigation
- Business Disputes
- Internal Investigations
Responsibilities
- Manage cases from initial pleadings through resolution
- Draft and argue motions, briefs, and other substantive filings
- Conduct and defend depositions
- Handle discovery strategy and execution
- Participate in trial preparation and courtroom proceedings
- Collaborate directly with partners and clients on litigation strategy
- Develop practical solutions for complex legal disputes
Qualifications
- 2-6 years of civil litigation experience
- California Bar admission (or willingness to sit for the California Bar)
- Experience with discovery, motion practice, and client management
- Strong legal writing and analytical skills
- Trial or courtroom experience is highly valued
- White collar defense or bankruptcy litigation experience is a plus
Preferred Backgrounds
We are particularly interested in candidates from:
- BigLaw litigation practices
- Reputable litigation boutiques
- Government litigation positions (AUSA, ADA, DOJ, SEC, Trustee’s Office)
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $185,000 - $235,000
- Total Compensation Potential: $245,000 - $400,000+
- Healthcare (Anthem Gold PPO)
- Dental, Vision, HSA/FSA options
- 401(k) with profit-sharing
- Flexible vacation policy
- Cell phone and WiFi stipend
- Catered lunches provided in-office
- Firm-paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Work Environment
This is a fully in-office position located in either the firm’s San Clemente headquarters or Downtown Los Angeles office. The firm believes mentorship, collaboration, and professional development are best achieved through regular in-person interaction and maintains a highly collegial, team-oriented culture.
If you’re looking for sophisticated litigation, real responsibility, and a long-term platform for professional growth, we’d welcome a confidential conversation.