General/Commercial Litigation Associate (4-6 yrs.) – Kansas City
Firm Description:
Our client is a nationally ranked law firm with over 250 attorneys across 17 offices in the U.S. and abroad. Founded in 1901, the firm is known for its deep experience in litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, and regulatory matters. It serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies and is recognized for its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and high-impact legal work.
Position Description:
A growing and well-established law firm is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate to join its Kansas City office. This is a strong opportunity for a mid-level associate to take on meaningful responsibility, work directly with experienced litigators, and handle sophisticated matters from inception through resolution. The firm offers a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with a clear path for long-term advancement.
Responsibilities
- Manage a broad range of commercial litigation matters from inception through resolution
- Handle all phases of litigation, including:
- Written and electronic discovery
- Depositions
- Motion drafting and practice
- Hearings, trials, and appeals
- Represent clients in complex disputes, including:
- Business and contract disputes
- Insurance coverage matters
- General commercial litigation
- Develop case strategy and work closely with partners on high-level legal issues
- Maintain strong client relationships and contribute to business development efforts
- Delegate to and collaborate with junior team members and support staff
Ideal Candidate
- 4–6 years of litigation experience (targeting 2019–2022 JDs)
- Strong foundation in commercial or general litigation
- Experience managing multiple matters with increasing independence
- Significant experience with discovery, depositions, and motion practice
- Courtroom experience, including hearings and possible trial or appellate exposure
- Excellent writing, research, analytical, and advocacy skills
- Prior law firm experience preferred (small, boutique, regional, or larger firms)
- Insurance defense attorneys seeking more sophisticated work are encouraged to apply
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) required
- Licensed to practice law in Missouri and in good standing
- Strong academic credentials
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills
Why Join
- Lean staffing model providing early responsibility and hands-on experience
- Direct access to partners and meaningful mentorship
- Opportunity to take ownership of cases earlier than at many peer firms
- Strong pipeline of sophisticated litigation matters generated locally
- Partnership advancement based on performance and individual goals (not lockstep)
Office & Culture
- Collegial, team-oriented Kansas City office
- Stable leadership with long-tenured attorneys
- Busy and growing litigation practice with consistent workflow
- Supportive environment focused on professional development and retention
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary (generally high-$100Ks to low-$200Ks, depending on experience)
- Bonus opportunities based on hours and discretionary factors
- 1,900 billable hour target
- Includes credit for pro bono and DEI efforts
- Reasonable expectations around billable hours
- Opportunities for business development and origination credit
Additional Information
- Travel typically limited (generally under 10%, depending on case needs)
- Equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace
- Competitive compensation structure based on experience, with bonus opportunities
Meet Your Recruiter
Ana A. Bird
Director of Recruiting
