Job Description
Job DescriptionDirect Counsel is seeking a Civil Litigation Associate with 2–3 years of experience to join a sophisticated and expanding litigation practice in San Diego, California. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career litigator seeking meaningful responsibility, direct client interaction, and hands-on experience across all phases of civil litigation.
The successful candidate will work closely with experienced partners and senior attorneys while developing substantive experience in discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediation, and trial preparation.
Location: San Diego, CaliforniaMainly Remote - Must reside in California!Responsibilities
- Support partners and senior attorneys throughout all phases of civil litigation, from initial case assessment through resolution and trial.
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda addressing substantive and procedural legal issues.
- Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, briefs, and other litigation documents.
- Assist with written discovery and document review and production.
- Participate in client interviews and witness preparation.
- Assist with and participate in depositions.
- Prepare for and participate in mediations and settlement proceedings.
- Assist with trial strategy, preparation, exhibits, witnesses, and other pretrial matters.
- Manage case deadlines and ensure timely filings and compliance with applicable court rules and procedures.
- Communicate directly with clients and collaborate with attorneys throughout the litigation process.
- Take on increasing responsibility as experience develops.
Qualifications
- 2–3 years of civil litigation experience.
- Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
- Experience with civil discovery and motion practice.
- Excellent legal research, writing, drafting, and analytical skills.
- Strong organizational and case-management abilities.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced litigation environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with partners and senior attorneys.
- Interest in developing deposition, mediation, courtroom, and trial experience.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $150,000–$170,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Annual performance-based bonuses.
- Discretionary and billable-hours bonus opportunities.
- Reasonable billable-hours requirement.
- Mainly remote work arrangement for California-based attorneys.
- Competitive health insurance benefits.
- 401(k) with partial employer match.
- Strong mentorship and professional development.
- Opportunities for early responsibility and direct client interaction.
Why This Opportunity
This role provides an excellent platform for a 2–3 year litigator looking to strengthen their litigation skills while gaining substantive experience across the full lifecycle of civil matters. Associates work alongside seasoned practitioners while receiving opportunities for early responsibility, direct client contact, depositions, mediations, and trial preparation.
Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier legal employers and fostering inclusive hiring practices.