Overview
A mid-sized, award-winning law firm is seeking a skilled Litigation Associate to join their litigation team. This role involves managing a variety of civil litigation matters including wrongful death, catastrophic injury, construction disputes, breach of contract/business disputes, tort claims, and more. The position offers the opportunity to handle cases from inception through resolution, including legal strategy, research, drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, arguing motions in court, attending mediations, and trial. The role provides professional growth through collaboration and mentorship by experienced partners.
Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of civil litigation cases from start to finish
- Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and legal briefs
- Propound and respond to discovery
- Take and defend depositions
- Communicate effectively with clients and opposing counsel
- Appear in court to argue motions and attend mediations and arbitrations
- Collaborate with team members and work independently to manage caseloads
Requirements
- Admission to the California State Bar
- Minimum of 2 years of civil litigation experience, including at least 1 year defending tort claims
- Experience preparing pleadings, discovery, motions, legal briefs, depositions, and court appearances
- Proficiency in arguing motions and attending mediations and arbitrations preferred; trial experience is a plus
- Strong communication and advocacy skills with a client-focused approach
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Ability to manage cases independently and work collaboratively
- Candidates must reside in Southern California and be able to commute to Newport Beach or Encinitas offices for occasional meetings; fully remote and hybrid options available
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $130,000 - $165,000 (actual compensation based on experience)
- Performance-based bonus plan
- Medical insurance (HMO/PPO) with employer-paid premiums up to 95% plus employer-funded HRA for PPO plans
- Dental insurance with employer-paid premiums up to 100%
- Vision coverage
- Wellness incentives including fitness discounts and rewards program
- Life insurance
- Pet insurance
- Unlimited Time Off program
- 12 paid holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan
Location
Southern California, with offices in Newport Beach and Encinitas. Remote and hybrid work options are available, but candidates must be able to commute to the offices for occasional meetings.