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Litigation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Counsel

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $230K/yr

Litigation Counsel California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, or Sacramento) Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Counsel to join a highly regarded mid-sized law firm with a ...

Litigation Associate

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$185K - $245K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a talented Litigation Associate (3-7 years) to join a highly regarded Trial & Litigation Practice Group at a leading California law firm. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

Litigation Paralegal - High-Stakes Trial Work California | Primarily On-Site $50.23 - $61.50/hour | 1,575 Billable Hours Direct Counsel is partnering with a premier California law firm to hire an ...

Litigation Paralegal - High-Stakes Trial Work California | Primarily On-Site $50.23 - $61.50/hour | 1,575 Billable Hours Direct Counsel is partnering with a premier California law firm to hire an ...

Litigation Associate

Alameda, CA · Hybrid

$185K - $245K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a talented Litigation Associate (3-7 years) to join a highly regarded Trial & Litigation Practice Group at a leading California law firm. This is an exciting opportunity to ...

Litigation Associate (Mid to Senior Level) Location: Orange County, CA (Onsite) Firm: National Law Firm Direct Counsel is representing a well-established national law firm in Orange County that is ...

Litigation Secretary - Business Litigation Location: Irvine, CA Compensation: Up to $95,000 (DOE) Employment Type: Full‑Time, On‑Site Our boutique litigation firm in Irvine is seeking a highly ...

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Litigation Paralegal -- Plaintiff's Personal Injury & Elder Abuse Law Firm Woodland Hills, CA | Full-Time | In-Office, 5 Days/Week Our plaintiff-side law firm, specializing in personal injury and ...

Litigation Paralegal HERS Advisors is working with a business litigation law firm in Sacramento, CA (hybrid) who is looking for a Litigation Paralegal. The Litigation Paralegal will perform legal ...

Litigation Paralegal

Roseville, CA · On-site

$33 - $41/hr

Our client, a litigation firm based in Roseville, is seeking an experienced Paralegal to step in and provide coverage during an upcoming leave while also serving as an integral, long-term contributor ...

Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney (2-5 Years) Location: Newport Beach, CA Compensation: $140,000 - $200,000 annually (DOE) Schedule: Full-time | In-Person Practice Focus: Trust & Estate Litigation ...

Litigation Legal Secretary HERS Advisors is working with a premiere law firm who has an immediate need for a Litigation Legal Secretary to support a busy group of amazing litigators in their San ...

Litigation Legal Secretary HERS Advisors is working with a premiere law firm who has an immediate need for a Litigation Legal Secretary to support a busy group of amazing litigators in their San ...

Litigation Attorney Location: North Hollywood, CA About the Opportunity: A highly regarded law firm with a strong reputation in the legal industry is seeking a Litigation Attorney to join their ...

Litigation Associate (Mid to Senior Level) Location: Orange County, CA (Onsite) Firm: National Law Firm Direct Counsel is representing a well-established national law firm in Orange County that is ...

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Showing results 1-20

Litigation information

See California salary details

$66.1K

$130.6K

$201.8K

How much do litigation jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for litigation in California is $130,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,700.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Litigation, and why are they important?

To thrive in litigation, you need a law degree, a license to practice, and a thorough understanding of legal research, case analysis, and courtroom procedures. Proficiency with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and e-discovery tools is essential. Outstanding oral and written communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help litigators stand out. These skills are crucial for building strong cases, effectively advocating for clients, and achieving favorable outcomes in complex legal disputes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in litigation, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in litigation often encounter challenges such as managing heavy caseloads, meeting tight deadlines, and adapting to evolving case strategies. Handling complex legal research, preparing for court appearances, and coordinating with clients and colleagues can also be demanding. To prepare, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, stay up to date on legal developments, and cultivate effective communication with team members and clients. Learning to manage stress and prioritize tasks will help ensure success in the fast-paced litigation environment.

What is litigation?

Litigation is the legal process of resolving disputes between parties through the court system. It involves filing lawsuits, conducting investigations and discovery, presenting evidence, and making arguments before a judge or jury. Litigation can cover a wide range of issues, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, and employment matters. The process is often complex and can be time-consuming, but it is sometimes necessary when other methods of dispute resolution, like negotiation or mediation, have failed.

What is the difference between Litigation vs Paralegal?

AspectLitigationParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesRepresent clients in court, draft legal documents, manage casesLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Litigation involves practicing law, representing clients, and appearing in court, requiring a JD and bar admission. Paralegals support litigation by conducting research and preparing documents but do not practice law or appear in court. Both roles work in legal environments but differ significantly in responsibilities and credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Litigation jobs in California? The most popular types of Litigation jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Litigation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Litigation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Litigation jobs? Cities in California with the most Litigation job openings:
Infographic showing various Litigation job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, 15% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,563 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Litigation Counsel

Direct Counsel

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$175K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Litigation Counsel

California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, or Sacramento)

Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Counsel to join a highly regarded mid-sized law firm with a sophisticated litigation platform across California.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior attorney with 8+ years of litigation experience to handle complex, high-impact matters involving constitutional rights, real estate disputes, and business torts. The role offers significant autonomy, substantive motion practice, and the opportunity to take ownership of multiple major matters in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in state and federal court litigation, particularly briefing and motion practice.

Key Responsibilities
  • Drafting briefs, dispositive motions, and complex written advocacy
  • Handling litigation involving:
    • Constitutional rights
    • Real estate disputes
    • Business torts
  • Managing matters in state and federal courts
  • Developing case strategy and taking ownership of multiple substantial projects
  • Supporting hearings, oral arguments, and trial preparation
  • Working closely with clients and internal teams on litigation risk and dispute resolution strategy
Qualifications
  • 8+ years of litigation experience
  • Significant experience drafting:
    • Briefs
    • Wide-ranging motions
    • Complex court filings
  • Strong background in state and federal court practice
  • Experience with constitutional rights, real estate, or business tort litigation
  • Hearing and trial experience preferred
  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
  • Proven ability to independently manage significant litigation matters
  • California Bar admission required
Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $175,000 – $230,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

This is a counsel-level, non-partnership-track role offering:

  • Hybrid work flexibility
  • A collegial and collaborative team environment
  • Sophisticated, high-stakes litigation matters
  • Long-term stability within a respected litigation practice