Overview
This role involves joining a nationwide legal team handling complex, high-stakes product liability and civil litigation matters. Associate Attorneys are expected to be active, engaged contributors from day one—developing legal skills across the litigation lifecycle and contributing to case strategy with increasing autonomy through mentorship and collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Draft and review pleadings, motions, and other litigation-related documents in product liability or complex litigation matters.
- Prepare, analyze, and respond to written discovery; manage discovery exchanged with multiple parties.
- Develop case strategies, defenses, and trial themes with increasing autonomy, supported by mentorship and collaboration.
- Research and analyze state and federal case law, statutes, and regulatory frameworks applicable to complex litigation matters.
- Interview and prepare fact witnesses, expert witnesses, and corporate representatives for testimony in litigation and regulatory proceedings.
- Take and defend depositions of lay witnesses, experts, and corporate representatives.
- Argue motions and participate in court appearances under appropriate supervision.
- Draft pretrial reports; assist with case evaluations, exposure analysis, and risk assessments.
- Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, status conferences, and hearings.
- Contribute to creative problem-solving and strategic planning for case resolution.
- Assist with settlement negotiations with plaintiffs and opposing counsel.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through professional, responsive, and inclusive oral and written communication.
- Collaborate with and help supervise paralegals and litigation support staff.
- Support Shareholders, Partners, and Senior Counsel on complex litigation matters.
- Meet annual billable hour expectations and comply with firm timekeeping policies.
- Participate in business development, networking, and client-facing opportunities consistent with interest and experience.
- Engage in bar associations, professional organizations, and community involvement that support inclusion and professional growth.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace and contribute positively to firm culture.
- Perform additional responsibilities as requested by Management.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice in California required. Additional licenses a plus.
- 0–7 years of litigation experience, preferably in product liability, toxic tort, environmental, insurance defense, construction, or complex civil litigation. Prior paralegal, judicial clerkships, internships, clinics, or externships experience will be considered.
- Experience in a billable-hour law firm environment preferred.
- Demonstrated interest in complex litigation and willingness to develop subject-matter expertise.
- Strong client-service orientation; ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with diverse clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Self-motivated and organized; able to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure while maintaining professionalism.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with FileVine or other document management systems is a plus.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development, mentorship, and inclusive excellence.
Preferred Qualifications
- Additional licenses beyond California.
- Experience in product liability, toxic tort, environmental, insurance defense, construction, or other complex civil litigation.
- Prior paralegal experience, judicial clerkships, internships, clinics, or externships.
- Experience with document management systems such as FileVine.
Compensation & Benefits
- Expected salary range: $98,000 – $198,000.
- Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, internal equity, and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law.
Location
Offices span Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, California, and Illinois.