Litigation Attorney Jobs in California
Litigation attorney jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with consistent demand across corporate defense, personal injury, employment law, and securities litigation at every level from first-year associate through senior partner. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego anchor the market, with major employers including Gibson Dunn, Latham and Watkins, and the California Department of Justice maintaining large litigation practices across the state. The most in-demand specialties are complex commercial litigation, employment and labor disputes, and insurance defense. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Litigation Attorney JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 199+ Litigation Attorney jobs




The Ryan Firm is a respected financial and real estate firm practice based in Irvine, California. For more than two decades, we have represented banks, businesses, and individuals in complex civil transactions and disputes involving real estate, secured lending, partnership, and commercial matters. We combine the experience of a large firm with the personal attention, collaboration, and trust of a close-knit team.
We are looking for a talented Litigation Attorney with at least three years of experience who takes pride in their work, values teamwork, and wants to grow in a firm where their ideas matter. This role offers the chance to handle meaningful cases, manage your own caseload, and work directly with clients and partners who are invested in your professional development.
Why You Will Love Working Here
- We believe that strong lawyers are built through mentorship, trust, and hands-on experience.
- You will find support, guidance, and open communication at every level.
- We enjoy our work, celebrate our wins, and still make time for life outside the office.
- A hybrid schedule is available after onboarding and training, and every Friday we wrap up early.
What You Will Do
- Represent clients in California state and federal courts in business and real estate litigation
- Draft and argue motions, handle discovery, and attend hearings with partner collaboration
- Work directly with clients and play an active role in strategy and case management
- Be part of a team that values precision, creativity, and professional growth
- Candidates with trial experience (in any area) or a desire to become a trial lawyer will be strongly considered
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary $185,000 to $205,000 based on experience, ability, and aptitude plus a performance-based bonus plan
- Generous year-end bonus
- 401(k) available for employee contributions
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Health insurance stipend
- Early Friday close and hybrid flexibility
- Mentorship and consistent feedback to help you reach your professional goals
What We Are Looking For
- Minimum of three years of civil or business litigation experience
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
- California Bar membership in good standing
- A motivated, detail-oriented attorney who enjoys collaboration and taking ownership of their work
If you want to practice law at a place where your voice is heard, your work is valued, and your growth is encouraged, we would love to meet you.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance stipend
- Paid time off
- Year End Bonuses
Work Location: In our beautiful 12th floor office or hybrid/remote in Irvine, CA 92614
Pay: $185,000.00 - $205,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Irvine, CA 92614
See All 199+ Litigation Attorney Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Litigation Attorney JobsLitigation Attorney Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Litigation Attorney Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring

Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services10
- Staffing & Recruiting5
- Technology & Software3
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in litigation attorney jobs across California.
- Active membership in the State Bar of California required to practice law
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Experience drafting motions, pleadings, and discovery in California state or federal court
- Familiarity with the California Rules of Court and local court procedures
- Strong deposition, negotiation, and trial preparation skills
- Experience with legal research platforms such as Westlaw or LexisNexis
Litigation Attorney Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a litigation attorney in California?
To become a litigation attorney in California, you must earn a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school, pass the California Bar Examination, and be admitted to the State Bar of California. The State Bar oversees admissions, character and fitness review, and ongoing licensing. Most litigation roles also require completing a clerkship, law school clinic, or associate-level position to build courtroom and procedural experience before taking on independent matters.
How much do litigation attorneys make in California?
Litigation attorneys in California earn a median of about $195,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,950 for the lowest 10% to over $369,180 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire litigation attorneys in California?
Employers hiring litigation attorneys in California right now include Career Consulting Partners, Kahana & Feld LLP, and Aionios, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's volume of Fortune 500 headquarters, large insurance carriers, and state and federal agencies means litigation hiring stays active year-round across both private firms and in-house legal departments.
Which California cities have the most litigation attorney jobs?
Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Diego account for the largest share of litigation attorney openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its concentration of Am Law 100 firms, entertainment and media clients, and major insurance defense work, while San Francisco draws heavily from technology and securities litigation, and San Diego's market is shaped by biotech, defense contractors, and a substantial federal court docket.
Are there remote litigation attorney jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based legal roles, since litigation involves court appearances, depositions, and client meetings that require in-person presence. About 61% of litigation attorney openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote work most often available for research-heavy roles, document review, and early-stage discovery work rather than trial or hearing coverage.
How can I get hired as a litigation attorney in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a litigation associate position at a mid-size or large California firm, where structured training programs bring on new State Bar admittees directly from law school. Many California employers, including county public defender and district attorney offices, the California Department of Justice, and large insurance defense firms, hire new graduates for supervised associate roles. A federal or state judicial clerkship in California is also a strong credential that opens doors at firms that otherwise require prior associate experience.
Where can I find and apply to litigation attorney jobs in California?
You can find and apply to litigation attorney jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and practice area, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 199+ Litigation Attorney Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Litigation Attorney Jobs