Salary range: $175K - $225KLocation: Downtown San Jose, CA, Pleasanton, CA, San Mateo, CA
Visa Sponsorship Details: Not open to any visas (e.g., U.S. citizens, green card holders)
On-site work policy: In-office in downtown San Jose, Pleasanton, or San Mateo, CA
About this roleWe 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
Role responsibilities• Manage and litigate legal malpractice defense matters, including defending attorneys and law firms against professional liability claims
• Handle complex business litigation matters involving breach of contract, partnership disputes, trade secret misappropriation, unfair business practices, and related claims
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis; develop and execute case strategy with partner oversight
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents with precision and attention to detail
• Take and defend depositions of fact witnesses, opposing parties, and expert witnesses
• Prepare for and participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, hearings, and trials to achieve favorable outcomes for clients
• Directly communicate with clients to provide updates, manage expectations, and build lasting relationships
