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Litigation Attorney Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Orion Placement

Litigation Attorney

Fairfax, VA

$85K - $125K/yr

Gain mentorship from experienced attorneys while continuing to build your courtroom and litigation skills. * Work across family law and/or civil litigation matters, with opportunities to expand into ...

Orion Placement

Litigation Attorney

Fairfax, VA

$85K - $125K/yr

Gain mentorship from experienced attorneys while continuing to build your courtroom and litigation skills. * Work across family law and/or civil litigation matters, with opportunities to expand into ...

Melone Law

Litigation Attorney - Reston

Reston, VA · 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 ...

Melone Hatley

Litigation Attorney - Reston

Reston, VA

$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 ...

Jobot

Litigation Attorney

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$365K/yr

The organization offers attorneys the opportunity to work on sophisticated litigation and appellate matters in a collaborative environment that emphasizes professional development, mentorship, and ...

Jobot

Associate Litigation Attorney

West Mclean, VA · 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

Orion Placement

Civil Litigation Attorney

Tysons Corner, VA · Hybrid

$185K - $250K/yr

Attorneys with 2+ years of experience will be considered if they have substantial courtroom experience. About Us We are a boutique litigation practice dedicated exclusively to business and commercial ...

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Litigation Attorney information

See Washington, DC salary details

$75.9K

$149.8K

$231.5K

How much do litigation attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for litigation attorney in Washington, DC is $149,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,400.00 and $171,500.00 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

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

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

Litigation Attorney jobs near you
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 $149,782 per year, or $72 per hour.

Litigation Attorney

Fairfax, VA

Orion Placement
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Orion Placementexternal

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Pay: $85,000.00 - $125,000.00

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

  • Take on meaningful, hands-on litigation work with real responsibility for cases, strategy, and client relationships.
  • Enjoy a flexible and supportive work environment with a strong focus on work-life balance.
  • No client billable hour minimum, allowing you to focus on high-quality legal work and client service.
  • Gain mentorship from experienced attorneys while continuing to build your courtroom and litigation skills.
  • Work across family law and/or civil litigation matters, with opportunities to expand into new practice areas.
  • Join a collaborative, client-focused team that values practical solutions, professional growth, and access to quality legal representation.

Location

On-site in Fairfax, Virginia. Join our team in a collaborative office environment while working closely with experienced attorneys and support staff.

Note:

To be considered, you must be licensed to practice law in Virginia and have at least 2 years of meaningful civil and/or family litigation experience, including actual courtroom experience and the ability to handle matters from start to finish.

About Us

We are a growing, client-focused law practice committed to providing practical solutions, honest advice, and high-quality legal representation to people from all walks of life. Our team values collaboration, independence, strong advocacy, and a balanced approach to the practice of law. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

  • Handle family law and/or civil litigation matters from initial client consultation through resolution.
  • Develop litigation strategy and take meaningful ownership of your cases and client relationships.
  • Represent clients in Virginia state courts and participate in hearings, motions, settlement discussions, and trials.
  • Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence, and other litigation-related documents.
  • Conduct and respond to discovery and prepare cases for hearings and trial.
  • Advise clients on legal strategy, risks, settlement options, and practical next steps.
  • Handle family law matters such as custody, visitation, support, protective orders, and divorce, depending on experience and practice needs.
  • Handle civil litigation matters that may include business disputes, consumer protection, defamation, landlord/tenant matters, contract disputes, and other general civil matters.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare clear, persuasive written analysis.
  • Collaborate with attorneys and staff while maintaining the independence and discipline to manage your own workload.
  • Continue developing professionally through mentorship and exposure to additional practice areas.

Qualifications

  • Active Virginia Bar license required.
  • 2+ years of civil and/or family litigation experience.
  • Experience litigating matters in Virginia state courts.
  • Actual courtroom experience, including hearings and/or trials.
  • Ability to handle a basic family law and/or civil litigation matter from start to finish.
  • Experience drafting pleadings and other litigation documents, conducting discovery, evaluating settlement options, and preparing matters for trial.
  • Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and client communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
  • Experience in both family law and civil litigation is a plus but not required.
  • Litigation experience in Washington, D.C., Spanish language skills, Guardian ad Litem certification, and legal writing outside of traditional litigation work are all preferred.

Why You Will Love Working Here

We believe great legal work and a sustainable career can go together. You will have the opportunity to take real ownership of your cases, work closely with experienced attorneys, build stronger courtroom and client-management skills, and continue expanding your legal expertise. If you are looking for a role where your judgment, advocacy, and growth genuinely matter, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact here.

JPC-1846

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance