Job Details

Your Partner in Legal Recruitment Excellence: Connecting Top Talents with High-Caliber Firms

Direct Counsel is representing a mission-driven California law firm dedicated to advocating for and defending public agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations across the state!

Position Overview

The firm is seeking a Litigation Associate who's ready to take on meaningful, high-impact work. You'll play a hands-on role in complex public law litigation, tackling constitutional, statutory, and administrative cases that make a difference in the lives of Californians.

This is a chance to handle significant case responsibility — including discovery, depositions, client strategy, hearings, and even trial work — alongside some of the most respected attorneys in public law. Experience in labor and employment law, public sector law, appeals, or affirmative litigation is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent public sector clients in state and federal court and before administrative bodies, such as the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).
• Participate in trial work and take ownership of case strategy and execution.
• Maintain regular client communication and manage case investigations.
• Work on complex, high-profile cases involving constitutional, statutory, and public sector legal issues.
• Manage all phases of litigation, from written discovery and depositions to motion practice and trial preparation.

Sample Matters

• Defending county initiatives and addressing constitutional challenges.
• Litigating state and federal contracts clause cases, including matters before the California Supreme Court.
• Representing public entities in whistleblower and retaliation claims.
• Advocating in lawsuits against corporate entities, including tech and pharmaceutical companies.
• Challenging unlawful federal conditions imposed on state or local grants.

Qualifications

• 4–10 years of litigation experience, including depositions, motion practice, and trial work.
• Strong academic background and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in labor & employment, public sector law, or appellate matters preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage client relationships.
• Demonstrated interest in public interest law or serving the public sector.

Salary Range: $185,000 – $225,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave (CA compliant).
• 401(k) and profit sharing.
• FSA and commuter benefits programs.

Location: San Francisco, CA.