Overview
This role involves an Associate Attorney position focused on active, engaged contribution to a litigation practice from day one. The work centers on complex product liability and civil litigation matters, requiring intellectual curiosity, professional discipline, and a strong commitment to client service.
Associate Attorneys are expected to develop skills across all phases of litigation—from pre-suit investigation through trial—while benefiting from mentorship and guidance from Partners and Senior Counsel.
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 and 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, prepare, and work with 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 and 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.
- 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 with the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with diverse clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing 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
- Prior experience in product liability, toxic tort, environmental, insurance defense, construction, or complex civil litigation.
- Experience in a billable-hour law firm environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- The firm’s expected salary range for this position is $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.