Description
About Porter Scott
Founded in 1976 by a group of respected trial attorneys, Porter Scott has earned a reputation as one of Northern California’s premier civil litigation firms. While we’ve grown significantly in size and reach, our founding values remain the same: delivering outstanding results while building lasting, trusted relationships with our clients. Recognized for our professionalism, integrity, and trial expertise, we take pride in fostering a collaborative, client-centered approach throughout every case we handle.
At Porter Scott, you’ll join a team deeply rooted in the Sacramento legal community with a strong commitment to training and mentorship. Our goal is to develop each associate into one of the region’s top trial attorneys—and ultimately, a shareholder of the firm.
About the Role
As an Associate Attorney at Porter Scott, you will manage a diverse caseload of civil litigation matters from inception through resolution. Your responsibilities will include drafting pleadings, discovery, motions, and correspondence; conducting and defending depositions; arguing motions in court; and participating in mediations, arbitrations, and trials. You will work closely with partners and senior attorneys to develop legal strategies and deliver exceptional client service. This is a hands-on position offering meaningful responsibility, early courtroom experience, and the opportunity to grow within a firm that values and invests in your professional development.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking candidates with excellent writing, oral advocacy, and analytical skills, along with strong time-management and problem-solving abilities. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Candidates must be members in good standing with the California State Bar or awaiting bar results. Prior litigation or law firm experience is preferred but not required.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range to commensurate with experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, generous paid time off plan, and a Section 125 flexible spending account. We also offer opportunities for remote and hybrid work arrangements, as well as robust training, mentorship, and a clear shareholder track. Porter Scott is proud to maintain a supportive and collegial culture where professional excellence and long-term growth are top priorities.
Why Porter Scott?
Few firms offer the level of early responsibility, trial exposure, and mentorship that Porter Scott does. Our associates are trusted contributors from day one—working closely with seasoned litigators and clients on meaningful, complex cases. If you're looking for a place to launch or grow your litigation career with the guidance and support to eventually become a shareholder, Porter Scott is the place to do it.
Porter Scott is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, veteran status, or any other class protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Porter Scott will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with known disabilities or medical conditions or for an employee’s religious beliefs, provided the accommodation does not cause undue hardship to the firm. Applicants or employees who require an accommodation should contact our Human Resources Department to discuss it further.
Requirements
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California are required. Prior law firm or litigation experience is preferred, though not always required for entry-level associates. Candidates should demonstrate strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents. Confidence in oral advocacy, including motion practice and, when applicable, depositions or trial work, is highly valued. The role requires the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and high-quality work. Successful candidates will bring excellent judgment, professionalism, and communication skills when working with clients, colleagues, and the courts. Collaboration and a team-oriented mindset are essential, along with the capacity to work effectively under pressure. Proficiency with legal research tools such as Westlaw or Lexis and comfort with case management and document systems is also expected.
