Commercial Litigation Associate | 3–5 Years | Toronto Hybrid
Desa Law is growing.
We are a Toronto litigation boutique looking for a talented Commercial Litigation Associate with approximately 3–5 years of post-call Ontario litigation experience to join our team.
We have a busy and growing practice with an established pipeline of work. This is not a role where you need to bring a book of business. We are looking for a strong litigator who wants meaningful responsibility for files, direct client exposure, and the opportunity to grow with the firm.
The Role
You will work closely with the firm's principal while taking increasing ownership of your own matters.
Our practice includes commercial and civil disputes involving contracts, shareholders and business relationships, property and real estate, fraud and misrepresentation, professional issues, and other complex civil matters.
Depending on your experience, you will:
- Manage litigation files and help develop case strategy
- Work directly with clients and opposing counsel
- Draft pleadings, motions and other written advocacy
- Conduct discoveries and participate in motions, mediations and other proceedings
- Research and analyze complex legal and factual issues
- Negotiate practical resolutions where appropriate
- Manage multiple matters, deadlines and client expectations
- Take increasing responsibility for matters from beginning to resolution
We value lawyers who know when an issue requires deeper analysis and when a practical answer is more valuable than additional hours of work.
Who We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
- Approximately 3–5 years of post-call litigation experience in Ontario
- Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Strong hands-on experience with Ontario litigation practice and procedure
- Experience taking meaningful responsibility for files
- Strong drafting, research, negotiation and advocacy skills
- Sound judgment and a practical approach to resolving disputes
- The ability to independently manage multiple active matters and deadlines
- Strong client communication skills
- An efficient approach to legal work, with an understanding of proportionality and client budgets
- A collaborative, low-ego approach to working within a small team
Direct commercial litigation experience is preferred, but not essential.
We are also interested in strong litigators from insurance defence, personal injury and other civil litigation practices who have developed substantial advocacy and file-management experience and are interested in transitioning into a broader commercial litigation practice.
What We Offer
We want to build a practice where excellent lawyers can do sophisticated work, take meaningful responsibility and have sustainable careers.
This position offers:
- Base compensation of approximately $140,000–$175,000, depending on experience and qualifications
- Performance bonus opportunity
- An anticipated annual billable target of 1,450 hours
- Hybrid work arrangement: approximately 2 days in office / 3 days remote
- Health and dental benefits
- An established pipeline of work with no book of business required
- Direct client contact and meaningful file ownership
- Law Society and professional fees
- Continuing professional development support
- The opportunity to work closely with an experienced civil and commercial litigator
- Increasing responsibility and career opportunities as the firm grows
Business development is encouraged as lawyers become more senior, but a book of business is not required for this position.
Why Desa Law?
We are building a litigation firm around excellent advocacy, practical judgment, efficiency and client service.
For the right lawyer, this is an opportunity to move beyond simply completing assignments. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of matters, develop direct client relationships, contribute to the growth of the practice, and play a meaningful role in what Desa Law becomes.
If you are an experienced Ontario litigator who wants more responsibility, flexibility and room to grow, we would like to hear from you.
All inquiries and applications will be treated confidentially.
To apply, please submit your résumé and a cover letter outlining your litigation experience and interest in the opportunity to [email protected]
