Job Description

Litigation Associate Attorney

A California legal practice is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney to manage civil litigation matters from intake through resolution. The position involves direct client communication, legal research, litigation strategy, drafting, discovery, hearings, depositions, settlement negotiations, and trial work.

The primary profile calls for 10 to 15 years of attorney experience with substantial civil litigation experience, including experience as first or second chair in at least 20 California jury or non-jury trials. The practice is also willing to consider an attorney with approximately 5 to 7 years of experience who has meaningful, hands-on civil litigation experience and can independently navigate the litigation process.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from intake through resolution.
• Develop litigation strategy in coordination with the Managing Partner and client.
• Research California statutes, case law, regulations, and legal authorities.
• Investigate facts and analyze legal issues.
• Draft complaints, answers, motions, discovery requests and responses, legal memoranda, and other litigation documents.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Appear at hearings, case management conferences, mediations, and trials.
• Negotiate with opposing counsel and pursue practical resolutions consistent with client objectives.
• Communicate directly with clients and provide timely case updates.
• Maintain case files, deadlines, databases, billing records, and time entries.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of a paralegal and legal assistant.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Substantial civil litigation experience.
• Primary profile: 10 to 15 years of attorney experience.
• Associate-level consideration: approximately 5 to 7 years of experience with substantial hands-on litigation experience.
• Primary profile requires first- or second-chair experience in at least 20 California jury or non-jury trials.
• Experience with California hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
• Strong legal research, writing, analysis, negotiation, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, witnesses, courts, and colleagues.
• Experience working with and supervising legal support personnel.
• Proficiency with PDF editing software, cloud-based platforms, and other digital legal tools.
• California driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Southern California location preferred due to required in-person proceedings.
• Experience with commercial landlord-tenant litigation, commercial unlawful detainer matters, and related real estate disputes is preferred.

Work Arrangement

• The position is primarily remote, with no set number of required office days. Physical presence is required for trials and occasional hearings when an in-person appearance is required. Most Los Angeles and Orange County hearings are currently handled virtually.

Compensation & Benefits

• The primary compensation range is $200,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on experience. The practice is also considering an associate-level profile at approximately $175,000 to $200,000 for candidates with 5 to 7 years of experience. A billable-hour bonus opportunity is available beyond the firm's minimum.
• Benefits include company-paid employee health, dental, and vision insurance, eligibility after 90 days, paid vacation, a 401(k) with a 4% company match, internet reimbursement for remote work, and mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel outside Orange County.
• The position does not carry sales or client-origination responsibilities. The role reports to the Managing Partner and includes oversight of a paralegal and legal assistant.

Application

• Candidates should be prepared to provide a resume, cover letter, and at least three writing samples demonstrating legal research and writing ability. The recruiting materials identify an initial interview, review of writing samples, and a final interview as the anticipated process.

Salary Range: $200,000 to $250,000

Reference: 149098

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