Commercial Litigation Associate

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking a mid-level complex commercial litigation associate to join its downtown Los Angeles office. The commercial litigation practice handles sophisticated disputes in federal and state courts nationwide, including consumer class actions, financial services litigation, contract and business disputes, and privacy and data‑related class actions. The team is known for managing complex, multi‑party matters and for delivering strategic, business‑minded advocacy. Associates in this group receive meaningful responsibility, frequent client exposure, and direct mentorship from experienced trial lawyers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day case activity from early strategy through resolution, ensuring deadlines are met and workstreams are coordinated across teams and jurisdictions.
• Draft high‑quality pleadings, dispositive and procedural motions (including motions to dismiss, strike, compel, and for summary judgment), and complex appellate‑level briefs.
• Conduct rigorous legal research and develop clear, persuasive memoranda to support motions, discovery positions, and case strategy.
• Lead and manage written discovery, including drafting and responding to discovery requests, negotiating ESI protocols, coordinating document collections, and overseeing review workflows.
• Prepare deposition outlines and witness kits; (preferred) take and defend depositions of parties, fact witnesses, and corporate representatives.
• Assist with expert discovery, including expert selection, report review, and preparation of Daubert/FRE 702 motions.
• Support class action phases (pleading challenges, class discovery, expert issues, and class certification briefing) and help develop case themes and damages models.
• Draft and argue motions in court (as opportunities arise) and participate in hearings, case management conferences, and mediations/arbitrations.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients to align litigation tactics with business objectives, assess risk, and evaluate early resolution pathways.
• Contribute to trial readiness, including exhibit lists, witness preparation, jury instructions, verdict forms, and trial briefs.

Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of complex commercial litigation experience at a law firm with a strong litigation practice (class action experience is a plus).
• Demonstrated excellence in brief writing, legal research, and case management, with meticulous attention to detail and deadlines.
• (Preferred) Experience taking and defending depositions; courtroom experience and oral argument exposure are a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with class action procedures, expert issues, and eDiscovery best practices (including ESI protocols and privilege logging).
• Strong academic credentials and a track record of producing thoughtful, strategic work product under tight timelines.
• Proactive, collaborative, and business‑oriented approach; ability to work independently while communicating effectively with partners, clients, and team members.
• Admission in good standing to the California Bar (required).

Practice Highlights

• Matters span consumer protection, financial services, contracts/UDAP claims, privacy and data issues (including CCPA/CPRA‑related litigation), and other high‑stakes business disputes.
• Opportunities for hands‑on development through direct partner mentorship, client interaction, and increasing responsibility across motion practice, discovery, and hearings.
• A collegial, high‑performing team that values strategic thinking, crisp writing, and practical problem‑solving.

Compensation
The salary range for this role is $230,000 to $270,000, representing the firm's good‑faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will depend on factors including the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and location.