Job Description

Litigation Attorney – Employment Defense

A healthcare-focused legal practice is seeking a Litigation Attorney to join its Walnut Creek office. This is an urgent backfill need created by workload demands and upcoming time off for the current litigator. The team is currently below its ideal litigation staffing level, making this an important role for an attorney who can contribute quickly and independently.

This position focuses primarily on employment defense and civil litigation for healthcare clients. The work emphasizes pre-litigation strategy, mediation, arbitration, hearings, resolution, and occasional trials, but this is not a trial-heavy practice. It is best suited for an attorney who values thoughtful advocacy, client counseling, and sustainable litigation work over constant courtroom activity.

Role Responsibilities

• Represent clients in mediations, arbitrations, hearings, and occasional trials
• Handle employment defense matters from pre-litigation through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and settlement agreements
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies
• Manage depositions, witness interviews, and negotiations
• Advise clients on risk, exposure, and legal strategy
• Maintain organized and compliant case files
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and staff

Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of litigation experience required
• Employment law experience preferred
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar license in good standing
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure and evidence
• Ability to independently manage multiple cases
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical and strategic thinking ability
• Comfortable with legal technology and research tools

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite role in Walnut Creek with limited flexibility. The team values collaboration, independence, accountability, stability, reliability, and a team-first mentality. Culture fit is critical, and the practice is not seeking candidates who are primarily looking for heavy courtroom or trial work.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary is typically $175,000 to $225,000+, with a broader range of $125,000 to $250,000 depending on experience. Compensation flexibility is available for strong candidates, particularly those with 7 to 10+ years of relevant experience.

The role also includes quarterly bonuses averaging approximately $20,000 annually, discretionary bonus eligibility, employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, HSA/FSA options, a 401(k) with employer match, 9 holidays, 9 sick days, unlimited vacation, parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Billable Expectation

• Approximately 135 to 140 billable hours per month.

Interview Process

The interview process includes an initial screening through the parent company and one interview with the Managing Partner. A quick decision is expected once the right candidate is identified, though the offer process may require internal approvals.

Salary Range: $175,000 to $225,000

Reference: 148726

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