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Litigation Attorney Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Attorney - Reston

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

Litigation Attorney Key Responsibilities: * Represent clients in court proceedings and negotiations. * Conduct legal research and analysis to support cases. * Draft and review legal documents ...

Litigation Attorney Key Responsibilities: * Represent clients in court proceedings and negotiations. * Conduct legal research and analysis to support cases. * Draft and review legal documents ...

Employment Litigation Attorney

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$120 - $220/hr

Smithey Law Group LLC is expanding its litigation team and seeks exceptional attorneys across a range of experience levels. As an attorney at our firm, you will receive meaningful responsibility ...

New

Employment Litigation Attorney

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$120 - $220/hr

Smithey Law Group LLC is expanding its litigation team and seeks exceptional attorneys across a range of experience levels. As an attorney at our firm, you will receive meaningful responsibility ...

New

Associate Litigation Attorney

West Mclean, VA ยท Hybrid

$125K - $160K/yr

The attorney will primarily support the firm's employment and business law team and will work on matters involving: * Employment defense litigation * Restrictive covenant and non-compete litigation

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Showing results 1-20

Litigation Attorney information

See Washington, DC salary details

$75.9K

$149.8K

$231.6K

How much do litigation attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for litigation attorney in Washington, DC is $149,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,400.00 and $171,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a litigation attorney?

A litigation attorney is a lawyer who assists their client with legal claims against a defendant. As a litigator, your responsibilities and duties include investigating and developing your client's case. You walk clients through the process of filing their lawsuit, drafting all the necessary paperwork, and ensuring that you present the most persuasive case possible. You represent your client at pretrial hearings and at the trial itself if a settlement is not reached beforehand. You file all necessary motions and advocate for your client to the very best of your ability while upholding all ethical and legal standards.

What does a litigation attorney do?

A litigation attorney, also known as a trial lawyer, specializes in representing clients in civil lawsuits. They handle all phases of the litigation process, including investigation, pleadings, discovery, pre-trial, trial, settlement, and appeal. Their role involves developing legal strategies, advocating for clients in court, negotiating settlements, and ensuring that clients' interests are protected throughout the legal process. Litigation attorneys may work on a variety of cases, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, or employment issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a litigation attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Litigation Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, analytical, and advocacy skills. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and electronic discovery tools is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and critical thinking abilities help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively representing clients, managing complex cases, and achieving successful outcomes in court.

What are some common challenges faced by litigation attorneys during the discovery phase of a case?

Litigation attorneys often encounter challenges in the discovery phase, such as managing large volumes of documents, navigating complex procedural rules, and responding to aggressive discovery requests from opposing counsel. Effective organization, attention to detail, and clear communication with clients and colleagues are essential to address these issues. Additionally, litigation attorneys must be adept at identifying relevant information while protecting privileged materials, all while working under tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Litigation Attorney vs Civil Litigation Lawyer?

AspectLitigation AttorneyCivil Litigation Lawyer
CredentialsJuris Doctor, State Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor, State Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Industry UsageCommonly used in legal settings involving disputesOften used interchangeably with Litigation Attorney in civil cases
Primary FocusHandling lawsuits, court proceedings, legal strategyHandling civil disputes, negotiations, and litigation

Both Litigation Attorneys and Civil Litigation Lawyers require similar credentials and often work in similar environments. The main difference lies in terminology: 'Litigation Attorney' is a broader term encompassing all attorneys involved in litigation, while 'Civil Litigation Lawyer' specifically refers to those handling civil cases. In practice, these roles often overlap, and the terms are used interchangeably in many contexts.

How do you become a litigation attorney?

To become a litigation attorney, you typically need to earn a bachelor's degree, complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and pass the state bar examination. Gaining experience through internships or clerkships and developing strong advocacy and research skills are also important for success in this field.

How much do litigation attorneys make?

Litigation attorneys' salaries vary based on experience, location, and firm size, but the median annual wage in the legal field is around $80,000 to $120,000. Experienced attorneys working in large firms or specialized areas can earn significantly higher, often exceeding $200,000 annually.
More about Litigation Attorney jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Litigation Attorney jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Litigation Attorney jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Litigation Attorney jobs in Washington, DC?

For Litigation Attorney jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Litigation Attorney jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Litigation Attorney jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Litigation Attorney job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 16% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,837 per year, or $72 per hour.

$155K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

My Account
Openings >> Financial Services Litigation Attorney
Financial Services Litigation Attorney
Summary
Title: Financial Services Litigation Attorney ID: 731229108 Department: Attorney Location: Washington, DC Salary Range: Estimated $155K to $210,000 annually. The estimated salary range displayed is specifically for those applicants who will perform work in the city of DC if selected for the role. Salary Range *Note*: Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary range, market data, applicant skills, relevant experience, degrees, or certifications. The estimated range is specific to DC and not applicable to other locations. Workplace Type: Hybrid
Description

Hinshaw & Culbertson, a leading national law firm, seeks aย senior-level litigation attorney to join its Washington, D.C., office Consumer Financial Services practice.

The position is an exceptional opportunity for candidates seeking high responsibility in state and federal court matters, defending financial institutions in single-plaintiff litigation and appeals.

Position Requirements:

  • Must be admitted to the DC Bar in good standing. Virginia and/or Maryland bar preferred.ย 
  • Experience in 5+ financial services, contested foreclosure, and/or consumer debt litigation required.
  • Candidates must possess experience handling depositions, mediation, and attending hearings.
  • Candidates should also have strong research, writing, and analytical skills.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a team that affords a high level of responsibility in an exciting, growing practice.

We value work-life balance and offer hybrid work arrangements, allowing you to work from both the office and remotely.

Please submit your resume, writing samples, and unofficial law school transcript to apply.
DC Candidates Only:

Estimated $155,000 to $210,000. The estimated salary range displayed is specifically for those applicants who will perform work in DC if selected for the role and is not applicable to other locations. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary range, market data, applicant skills, relevant experience, degrees, or certifications.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA). It does not discriminate in employment practices based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Kindly note: Direct applicants only. This position is not accepting recruiter candidates.

Apply Now
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