Business & Entertainment Litigation Associate Attorney

Company: Direct Counsel
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Litigation Associate Attorney (3–5 Years) Location: Los Angeles, CA Direct Counsel is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney to join a well-established, full-service California law firm with a sophisticated litigation practice. This opportunity is ideal for an associate looking to gain hands-on experience in complex commercial and entertainment-related disputes while working closely with seasoned trial attorneys in a collaborative and quality-of-life–focused environment. The Opportunity The associate will handle matters across all phases of litigation, including pre-litigation strategy, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, hearings, arbitration, mediation, and trial preparation. The Los Angeles-based litigation team represents businesses, business owners, and entertainment industry clients in high-stakes disputes involving their most valuable assets. Matters span a broad range of issues, including breach of contract, fraud, film and television distribution and licensing, profit participation, intellectual property and digital media disputes, private equity–related litigation, and sophisticated judgment enforcement. Cases are regularly handled in state and federal courts nationwide, as well as through arbitration and mediation, and may proceed through trial and appeal. Associates receive meaningful responsibility, direct client exposure, and mentorship from experienced litigators, allowing for the development of strong strategic and practical advocacy skills. Key Responsibilities Manage and support cases in all phases of litigation, from pre-litigation through post-trial proceedings Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and settlement-related documents Conduct in-depth legal research and provide strategic analysis on complex business and entertainment disputes Take and defend depositions and prepare witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trial Appear at hearings, case management conferences, mediations, and arbitrations Assist with trial preparation, including exhibits, witness outlines, and coordination with experts Collaborate closely with partners, senior associates, and clients to develop litigation strategy Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and third-party vendors Qualifications J.D. from an accredited law school Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar 3–5 years of litigation experience, preferably in business and/or entertainment litigation Experience drafting dispositive and non-dispositive motions, discovery, and legal memoranda Deposition experience (taking and/or defending) strongly preferred Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines Ability to work independently while thriving in a team-oriented, client-focused environment Compensation Salary range: $162,500 – $192,500 , commensurate with experience Work Environment Collegial and supportive culture Reasonable workload expectations with an emphasis on maintaining a high quality of life Meaningful responsibility and professional development opportunities

Keywords: Direct Counsel, Rancho Santa Margarita , Business & Entertainment Litigation Associate Attorney, Legal , Los Angeles, California