Litigation Associate
About this role
We are looking for a Litigation Associate with 4–6 years of experience to join a respected Silicon Valley law firm and handle sophisticated legal malpractice defense and complex business litigation matters. You'll get substantive responsibility from day one — managing cases, taking depositions, and building direct client relationships — all within a collegial, partnership-track environment without BigLaw burnout.
What will you be doing?
Defending attorneys and law firms against professional liability and legal malpractice claims
Litigating complex business disputes including breach of contract, trade secrets, and partnership matters
Taking and defending depositions of fact witnesses, opposing parties, and experts
Drafting and arguing dispositive motions (MSJs, demurrers, motions in limine)
Communicating directly with clients to manage expectations and build lasting relationships
Key Requirements
Active California State Bar membership
4–6 years of litigation experience focused on legal malpractice defense and/or business litigation
Experience independently managing cases through discovery, motion practice, and depositions
Strong knowledge of California Code of Civil Procedure and Evidence Code
Based in or willing to relocate to the SF Bay Area; on-site in San Jose, Pleasanton, or San Mateo
Company at a glance
Hoge Fenton is a full-service Silicon Valley law firm founded in 1952, serving technology, life sciences, and middle-market businesses with trial expertise and strategic counsel across Northern California and globally through Mackrell International.
What happens next
Skip the application pile. I get you in front of the people who decide.
Confirm the fit
A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.
I pitch you to the company
I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.
A meeting lands on your calendar
When the company wants to meet, I get the call on your calendar. You just show up.
Culture & values
Collaborative and collegial work environment
Direct partner access
Regional loyalty and long tenure among staff
Community involvement
Sustainable career model with balanced attorney lifestyle
Seamless cross-practice collaboration through integrated platform
True subject-matter specialists rather than generalists
Meaningful client interaction and trial opportunities
Faster path to meaningful responsibility compared to national firms
Multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving
Regional platform culture without national firm politics
Reduced bureaucracy compared to BigLaw
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