Litigation Attorney

Complete Guide: Litigation Attorney at Boutique Law Firm (Irvine, CA)

Five Star Placements, a premier legal recruitment firm, is actively seeking a mid-level Litigation Attorney on behalf of a highly regarded boutique law firm based in Irvine, California. This firm specializes in real estate litigation and offers a tight-knit, collaborative working environment. For attorneys looking to escape the grueling hours of BigLaw while retaining high-quality, autonomous work, this opportunity provides an exceptional work-life balance with a clear, realistic path to long-term partnership.

Key Practice Areas & Responsibilities

The selected candidate will manage a diverse caseload with a high degree of professional autonomy. Key areas of focus include:

• Real Estate Litigation: Handling a broad spectrum of commercial and residential real estate disputes.
• Contractual Disputes: Resolving breach of contract claims and related commercial issues.
• Eviction & Detainer: Managing unlawful detainer and eviction proceedings.
• Bankruptcy Proceedings: Representing clients in bankruptcy matters (experience in this area is a significant plus).
• Core Litigation Tasks: Conducting depositions, making court appearances, drafting substantive motions, and managing written discovery.

Eligibility & Candidate Profile

The firm is looking for motivated civil litigators who meet the following criteria:

• Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of active civil litigation experience.
• Bar Admission: Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Skill Set: Proven comfort and competence in handling depositions, court appearances, drafting complex motions, and managing the discovery process.
• Practice Background: While a background in real estate litigation is highly preferred, civil litigators from other practice areas who possess strong transferable skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation, Work-Life Balance, & Benefits

This position stands out for its highly competitive compensation package paired with a highly manageable billable hour target:

• Base Salary: $150,000 to $220,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• Billable Hours: A modest requirement of only 1,440 billable hours per year (approximately 120 hours per month), ensuring an excellent work-life balance.
• Bonuses: Discretionary performance-based annual bonuses.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Work Schedule: Generally onsite in Irvine, CA, but with significant flexibility for hybrid work arrangements and a flexible daily schedule.

Application & Contact Information

Interested candidates can apply directly through the job posting or reach out to the recruiter. The search is being led by Josh Stockton, CEO and Legal Recruiter at Five Star Placements. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and early submission is highly recommended.