Lateral Associate

Job Overview
A well-regarded law firm is looking to hire a lateral associate for its law firm defense team in San Francisco. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with a strong interest in law firm defense matters, including defending claims for legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and disqualification motions. The team handles cutting-edge cases in both state and federal courts nationwide, offering exposure to a broad range of legal issues. A district court or appellate court clerkship is preferred but not required.

Location

• San Francisco, CA

Duties

• Research and draft motions and briefs related to law firm defense matters.
• Participate in all aspects of discovery, including document review, depositions, and interrogatories.
• Manage case files, deadlines, and client communications.
• Participate in mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Advise clients on law firm defense matters, including claims for legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty.
• Defend against disqualification motions.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys to develop and implement case strategies.

Requirements

• Law school class year 2018 to 2021.
• Strong interest in law firm defense matters, particularly legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
• Prior exposure to law firm defense or litigation experience is preferred.
• District court or appellate court clerkship is a plus, but not required.
• Strong writing, research, and legal drafting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and client management skills.
• Interest in working on complex litigation matters in state and federal courts.

Education

• J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree from an accredited law school

Certifications

• Active license to practice law in California

Skills

• Strong litigation and law firm defense skills.
• Legal research proficiency (Westlaw, LexisNexis, etc.).
• Ability to draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Case and client management skills.
• Experience with mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Health care
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off, including sick time and vacation
• Parental leave
• Basic life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Discretionary, performance-based bonuses

This Vault 50 leading international law firm has been consistently ranked among the world's top law firms in industry surveys and major publications. Associates emphasize the firm's flexibility and the ability to work on cutting-edge, high-stakes matters with brilliant attorneys, as well as the ability to advise clients on some of today's most complex and significant matters. Associates described the firm as laid back and a BigLaw paradise. Associates are drawn to the firm's impressive reputation and headline hitting cases. One associate remarked at how happy he noticed attorneys working at this firm were. Junior attorneys obtain experience in document review and drafting, motion drafting, appellate brief drafting, first-chairing depositions, and working on memoranda for major clients. The firm is distinctively positioned in today's global marketplace and offers unparalleled, innovative thinking for clients with the most challenging needs. The attorneys at this firm aspire to handle all matters as partners with their clients. The firm leads retreats across its offices, allowing great networking opportunities. The firm also emphasizes a strong diversity and pro bono on its attorneys.