Legal
Senior Associate - Commercial Litigation
Senior Associate · Commercial Litigation
San Francisco, CA
About the role
A prominent California law firm is seeking a Senior Commercial Litigation Associate to handle high-stakes disputes on behalf of sophisticated clients, including real estate developers and operating businesses. The position affords significant autonomy, end-to-end management of complex discovery, extensive court appearances, and genuine trial opportunities rarely accessible at this seniority level in peer firms. The successful candidate will be positioned on a clear trajectory towards lead attorney status within two to three years in a collaborative, non-hierarchical setting characterised by a sustainable 1,600 billable-hour target.
What we are looking for
- 6 to 8 years of commercial litigation experience gained at a reputable law firm (mid-size or larger). - Active admission to the California State Bar (essential). - Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school. - Extensive experience drafting and arguing dispositive and discovery motions in California state and federal courts. - Comprehensive discovery management background, including taking and defending depositions. - Proven ambition to develop trial expertise and manage matters as lead counsel.
Compensation
$225,000 – $275,000 base salary depending on class year, alongside a tiered hourly bonus for hours billed over 1,600 (ranging from ~$150/hr to ~$200/hr) and an additional discretionary year-end bonus.
Working arrangement
Hybrid
Visa eligibility
Candidates must have unrestricted US work authorisation (e.g. US Citizens, Green Card holders); visa sponsorship is not available.
Benefits
Fully firm-paid benefits package with zero payroll deductions, unlimited holiday allowance, and transparent origination credit structures.
Equity
No equity (standard law firm compensation model).