Litigation Associate Legal Malpractice Defense

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary range: $175K - $225K
Location: Downtown San Jose, CA, Pleasanton, CA, San Mateo, CA

Visa Sponsorship Details: Not open to any visas (e.g. US citizen, Green Card holders)
On-site work policy: In-office in downtown San Jose, Pleasanton, or San Mateo, CA
About this role

We are looking for a Litigation Associate with 4–6 years of experience to join a respected Silicon Valley law firm and handle sophisticated legal malpractice defense and complex business litigation matters. You'll get substantive responsibility from day one — managing cases, taking depositions, and building direct client relationships — all within a collegial, partnership-track environment without BigLaw burnout.

What will you be doing?

• Defending attorneys and law firms against professional liability and legal malpractice claims

• Litigating complex business disputes including breach of contract, trade secrets, and partnership matters

• Taking and defending depositions of fact witnesses, opposing parties, and experts

• Drafting and arguing dispositive motions (MSJs, demurrers, motions in limine)

• Communicating directly with clients to manage expectations and build lasting relationships

Key Requirements

• Active California State Bar membership

• 4–6 years of litigation experience focused on legal malpractice defense and/or business litigation

• Experience independently managing cases through discovery, motion practice, and depositions

• Strong knowledge of California Code of Civil Procedure and Evidence Code

• Based in or willing to relocate to the SF Bay Area; on-site in San Jose, Pleasanton, or San Mateo