Associate Attorney (5+ years) - Business Litigation

Associate Attorney (5+ years) - Business LitigationEstablished and growing mid-sized firm seeking Associate Attorney for Business Litigation hybrid (or remote) in Los Angeles, California!An established and growing business-focused law firm based in Los Angeles, California is seeking an Associate Attorney with 5+ years of business litigation experience to join its growing litigation team. The position will involve complex business disputes, contract claims, partnership and shareholder disputes, real estate-related litigation, and other commercial matters in California state and federal courts. The firm offers substantial flexibility regarding its onsite policy and is open to hybrid or fully remote arrangements for qualified attorneys.

This opportunity is well suited for an experienced litigator seeking meaningful case responsibility, direct client interaction, low billable-hour expectations, and a strong performance-based bonus model!Salary range: $200,000-$250,000+, contingent on experience - Strong performance-based bonus opportunities - Additional year-end discretionary bonus consideration - Low billable-hour expectations compared with traditional law firm requirements - Flexible onsite policy for the El Segundo office - Hybrid or fully remote work arrangements available for qualified attorneys - Substantial autonomy over active litigation matters - Direct interaction with clients and firm leadership - Opportunity to handle sophisticated business disputes from inception through resolution - Collaborative environment with an emphasis on high-quality work, efficiency, and practical client service - Additional benefits and employment terms will be provided during the interview processQualifications:Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar is requiredJuris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is requiredAt least 5 (or more) years of substantive business litigation experience in a law firm setting is requiredExperience independently managing commercial litigation matters through discovery, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, settlement, or trial is requiredStrong experience drafting pleadings, dispositive motions, discovery motions, briefs, and settlement agreements is requiredExperience taking and defending depositions is requiredExperience appearing in California state or federal court is requiredBackground handling contract disputes, business torts, partnership disputes, shareholder claims, real estate disputes, or other complex commercial matters is preferredTrial preparation or first-chair and second-chair trial experience is strongly preferredExcellent legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills are requiredStrong business judgment and the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical recommendations are requiredAbility to manage multiple active matters, competing deadlines, and client expectations with limited supervision is requiredAbility to work effectively in an onsite, hybrid, or fully remote environment is requiredCommitment to responsive communication, precise work product, and efficient case management is requiredResponsibilities:Independently manage complex business litigation matters from initial case assessment through settlement, arbitration, trial, appeal, or other resolutionDevelop litigation strategies that account for client objectives, legal exposure, business considerations, litigation costs, and opportunities for early resolutionDraft complaints, answers, counterclaims, motions, briefs, discovery requests, discovery responses, settlement agreements, and other litigation documentsHandle disputes involving contracts, business torts, partnerships, shareholders, commercial transactions, real estate interests, and related business mattersConduct legal research and prepare persuasive written analyses addressing complex procedural and substantive issuesManage written discovery, document collection, electronic discovery, subpoenas, productions, and discovery disputesTake and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, experts, and corporate representativesPrepare for and attend hearings, case management conferences, mediations, settlement conferences, arbitrations, and trialsArgue substantive and procedural motions in California state and federal courtsInterview witnesses and prepare clients, corporate representatives, and experts for depositions, hearings, and trial testimonyLead trial preparation involving witness examinations, exhibit management, motions in limine, trial briefs, jury instructions, and courtroom presentationsCommunicate directly with clients regarding case strategy, material developments, budgets, risks, and recommended next stepsProvide practical legal advice that aligns litigation strategy with each client's broader commercial objectivesCollaborate with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, and outside vendors on complex mattersDelegate assignments and provide guidance to junior attorneys and support professionals when appropriateMaintain accurate matter files, litigation calendars, time entries, budgets, and client reportsMeet the firm's billable-hour expectations while maintaining high standards for efficiency, responsiveness, and work qualityContribute to the firm's client relationships, professional reputation, and continued growth