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.
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Overview
The Litigation Attorney handles complex civil litigation across several areas and types of law, providing legal counsel and advocacy while preparing matters for trial. This role calls for clear legal writing, sound judgment, and the ability to assess case information and communicate legal positions effectively.
Duties
- Draft legal documents, correspondence, and case-related written materials.
- Advocate for clients in civil litigation matters.
- Provide legal counsel on case issues and available options.
- Prepare cases and supporting materials for trial.
- Review facts and legal issues across varied areas of law.
- Your impact: Strong preparation and advocacy help clients navigate complex disputes with informed representation.
Skills
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
- Effective oral advocacy and persuasive communication.
- Sound judgment in evaluating complex legal issues.
- Ability to organize case information and manage competing priorities.
- Professional client communication and legal counseling skills.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Los Angeles, CA 90024
See All 258+ Litigation Attorney Jobs in California
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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
- Career Consulting Partners13
- Kahana & Feld LLP8
- Wilson Elser6
- Klinedinst PC6
- CLAUSEN MILLER6
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services11
- Staffing & Recruiting5
- Technology & Software5
- 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 Wilson Elser, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, San Francisco, 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 73% of litigation attorney openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 258+ Litigation Attorney Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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