Civil Litigation Associate – General Liability & Construction Defense

Job overview

The Civil Litigation Associate – General Liability & Construction Defense role is mainly remote for California-based attorneys, with Northern California locations including San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, and Silicon Valley. The annual base salary is $158,000–$190,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Direct Counsel connects legal talent with legal employers. The associate handles complex civil defense matters from inception through trial, contributing to litigation strategy and case outcomes. The work includes drafting, discovery, depositions, motions, mediations, court appearances, and trial preparation across general liability and construction matters.

What you'll do

• Manage and assist with civil litigation from inception through trial
• draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, and subpoenas
• prepare and argue dispositive motions
• take and defend depositions
• conduct legal research
• handle general liability and construction litigation
• work with clients, experts, witnesses, and opposing counsel
• prepare clients and witnesses
• participate in mediations, hearings, and trial proceedings
• collaborate with senior attorneys and partners.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

civil litigation

litigation associate

general liability defense

construction defense

insurance defense

depositions

motion practice

trial preparation

mainly remote

california

san francisco

oakland

$158k–$190k

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Annual performance-based and discretionary billable-hours bonus opportunities
• health insurance
• 401(k) with partial employer match
• mentorship and professional development.

Why this role

The posting seeks 3–5 years of civil litigation experience and active membership in good standing with the California State Bar. It offers deposition, courtroom, mediation, and trial experience.

About the employer

Direct Counsel is hiring for this role. Industry: Offices of Lawyers. Sector: 54.