Litigation Associate Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Associate Attorney

Location: Roseville or Irvine, California (Hybrid)

Compensation: $130,000 – $190,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications, plus bonus programs and a signing bonus (see below)

Employment type: Full-time, exempt

Plante Huguenin Launi Kahn LLP ("PHLK") is a growing civil litigation and business law firm serving clients across California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, and Texas. We are seeking a motivated litigation associate with three or more years of experience to join our Roseville or Irvine office. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who wants meaningful litigation experience, strong mentorship, direct client interaction, and a long-term growth path with a respected regional firm.

What You'll Work On

Our practice focuses on construction defect litigation, real estate and business disputes, complex civil litigation, and builder and developer representation. Associates are given substantive responsibility and hands-on litigation experience, including taking and defending depositions, court appearances, law and motion practice, and mediations. You will work directly with clients and partners while building the independent judgment that leads to advancement within the firm.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Three or more years of civil litigation experience
• Strong legal writing and analytical skills
• Demonstrated experience handling discovery, depositions, and motion practice
• The ability to manage cases independently while collaborating effectively with partners and staff

Construction defect, real estate, and/or business litigation experience is strongly preferred. Dual or multistate licensure (for example, in Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, or Texas) is a plus but not required.

Why Join PHLK

We believe good attorneys do their best work when they are supported, respected, and given real opportunities to grow. Our multistate platform offers a broad range of matters and a clear path for advancement. We offer:

• Competitive base salary within the range above
• Signing bonus equal to 10% of your annual base salary for direct applicants (not available to candidates submitted through a recruiter or staffing agency), subject to the terms of your offer letter and a separate signing bonus agreement
• Monthly billable-hour bonus program, with tiered awards for hours above target (see below)
• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees
• 401(k) with firm safe harbor contribution
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Mentorship, direct client contact, and a collegial, team-oriented environment

Signing Bonus

New associates in this role are eligible for a signing bonus equal to 10% of annual base salary. This signing bonus is available only to candidates who apply directly to PHLK; it is not available to candidates who are referred, submitted, or placed through a third-party recruiter or staffing agency. Payment timing and any retention or repayment terms will be set forth in your offer letter and in a separate signing bonus agreement, and you will have the opportunity to review those terms with your own attorney before signing.

Billable Hours and Monthly Bonus Program

The standard annual billable hours target for this role is 1,800 hours (approximately 150 hours per month). In addition to base salary, associates participate in a monthly bonus program that rewards billable hours recorded above target in a given month, according to the following schedule:

Monthly Billable Hours

170-179: $500

180-189: $1,000

190-199: $1,500

200 or more: $2,000

These monthly bonuses are earned once the applicable hours threshold is met for the month and are paid in the ordinary payroll cycle. In addition to the monthly bonus program, associates are eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus. Complete terms of the bonus programs will be set forth in your offer letter.

Equal Opportunity

PHLK is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and professional workplace for all employees and applicants. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees; please let us know if you need one during the application process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples. Please ensure writing samples do not contain confidential or privileged client information. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Plante Huguenin Launi Kahn LLP ("PHLK") is a growing civil litigation and business law firm serving clients across California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, and Texas. We are seeking a motivated litigation associate to join our Las Vegas office. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who wants meaningful litigation experience, strong mentorship, direct client interaction, and a long-term growth path with a respected regional firm.