Commercial Litigation Associate (3-5yrs) – San Francisco
Firm Description:
Our client is a full-service international law firm with over 900 attorneys across 29 offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the firm is known for its broad capabilities in litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and employment matters. With a strong commitment to innovation and client service, Duane Morris advises a diverse portfolio of clients—from startups and mid-market companies to global institutions—on complex legal challenges across industries. The firm fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, offering attorneys a dynamic platform for professional growth and high-impact work.
Position Description:
Commercial Litigation Associate
Our client, a nationally recognized Am Law firm, is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate with 3-5 years of sophisticated litigation experience to join its San Francisco office.This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking exposure to complex commercial, business, and employment litigation matters within a collaborative and entrepreneurial practice. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced litigators, assume significant responsibility, and gain direct client interaction while handling high-stakes disputes through all phases of litigation.
Responsibilities
- Represent clients in complex commercial, business, and employment litigation matters
- Manage all phases of litigation, including:
- Case assessment and strategy development
- Discovery
- Depositions
- Motion practice
- Court appearances
- Mediation and settlement negotiations
- Trial preparation
- Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive litigation filings
- Conduct legal research and analysis on complex legal issues
- Develop litigation strategy and provide practical recommendations to clients
- Collaborate with partners and litigation teams on sophisticated disputes
- Manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive and practical counsel
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing with the California Bar
- 3-5 years of litigation experience
- Experience handling:
- Commercial litigation
- Business litigation
- Employment litigation
- Strong legal research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to work independently and assume significant responsibility
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Positive and professional presence with strong interpersonal skills
- Outstanding academic credentials
Preferred Qualifications
- Large law firm or sophisticated litigation practice experience
- Experience managing complex business disputes
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset and initiative
- Strong client-service orientation
Why This Opportunity
Our client offers attorneys the opportunity to:
- Work on sophisticated commercial and employment litigation matters
- Gain meaningful responsibility and client exposure
- Collaborate with experienced litigators in a collegial environment
- Develop courtroom, advocacy, and case-management skills
- Build a long-term career within a respected national litigation platform
- Participate in a culture that values initiative, professional growth, and teamwork
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $255,000 – $295,000 annually
- Compensation based on experience, qualifications, market conditions, and business needs
- Eligibility for discretionary bonus opportunities and incentive compensation programs
Additional benefits may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings programs
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and CLE opportunities
- Additional firm-sponsored wellness and employee support programs
Location
- San Francisco, California
Meet Your Recruiter
Samir Metovic
Director of Legal Recruiting