Commercial Litigation Attorney
We are looking for a 3-8 year litigation attorney to join a collaborative commercial disputes team in Irvine, California. This role offers meaningful courtroom and case-management exposure while supporting sophisticated defense matters for corporate and individual clients. The position is well suited for an attorney who values mentorship, strong career development, and the opportunity to build hands-on experience within a respected national law firm.
Responsibilities:
• Handle commercial litigation matters involving contract disputes, business tort claims, fraud allegations, trade secret issues, shareholder or partnership conflicts, and unfair competition matters.
• Support cases through each stage of the dispute process, from early case assessment and strategy development through settlement, arbitration, trial, or other resolution.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and substantive motions.
• Take and defend depositions, including preparing witnesses and defending testimony.
• Assist with hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trial preparation while working closely with senior litigators on case execution.
Perks of Firm:
· Over 70% of partners are from a diverse group. This firm has more women than men partners!
· 92% retention rate from partners who lateral in! Also, very little litigation associate turnover! (because they get so much support).
· OC managing partner is a good mentor. He has two associates who have gotten second chair trial experience within two years. This attorney will get hands-on development.
· Team goes to lunches together often, super collaborative.
· Am 200 law firm – sweet spot in terms of size. “We are not a global firm, but we’re not so small that you don’t have strong support staff.”
· Robust training, particularly within the litigation teams:
o Litigation Institute in Cleaveland every year – break out sessions on topics such as MSJs, depos – for 3 days where associate meet each other from across the county.
o Litigation lunch & learns where associates learn from partners.
o Trial academy / mock trials – they get jurors, have law school professors, and record it!
· High-end clients
· Partner track exists, and you’re able to get noticed in the OC office especially! The firm is heavily investing in their CA offices.
Qualifications:
• At least 3 years of litigation experience, with defense-side and commercial experience strongly preferred.
• Deposition experience, with expert witness deposition exposure viewed favorably.
• Active attorney licensure in CA and good standing required.
• Demonstrated ability to draft motions, briefs, and other litigation-related filings.
• Experience handling discovery responsibilities in civil litigation matters.
• A stable employment history is preferred.
Pay is contingent upon fluency with the requirements above.
Send your resume directly to Melanie.Kent [at] roberthalf [dotcom] with "OC Commercial Litigation Attorney" as the subject line
Compensation
$170,000.00-$250,000.00 YearlyAbout Us
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
