Quick Overview
Job Description
Associate Attorney – Defense Litigation
Practice Areas: General Liability | Toxic Tort Litigation
Location: Irvine California
Experience: 2+ Years
Position Type: Full-Time
About the Opportunity
A nationally recognized litigation law firm is seeking Associate Attorneys with 2+ years of defense litigation experience to join its growing California practice.
The firm handles sophisticated civil litigation for clients across the country, with a particular focus on general liability, toxic tort, product liability, environmental liability, and other complex litigation matters.
This is an opportunity for attorneys who want substantive responsibility, direct involvement in cases, and the ability to independently manage matters while working alongside experienced litigators on both local and national accounts.
Attorneys may join one of two primary practice areas:
General Liability
Represent clients in a broad range of civil defense matters, including premises liability, personal injury, product liability, and other complex liability claims.
Toxic Tort Litigation
Handle sophisticated toxic tort and environmental litigation involving complex factual, medical, scientific, and expert issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Handle local and national litigation matters throughout California
- Independently manage an active defense litigation caseload
- Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and clients
- Conduct plaintiff, fact witness, and expert depositions
- Prepare witnesses for depositions and trial
- Review and analyze discovery requests and case materials
- Draft and respond to written discovery
- Research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive legal documents
- Handle motion practice and court appearances
- Work directly with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other parties
- Assist with and participate in trial preparation and trial
- Manage deadlines and cases efficiently from inception through resolution
- Maintain accurate and timely billing records
Candidate Qualifications
- Minimum of 2+ years of defense litigation experience required
- Experience in one or more of the following areas strongly preferred:
- General Liability
- Product Liability
- Toxic Tort Litigation
- Environmental Liability
- Complex Civil Litigation
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school required
- Active California Bar admission required
- Experience with substantive motion practice
- Deposition experience required
- Experience taking the lead on plaintiff and/or expert depositions strongly preferred
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- Ability to independently manage cases and competing deadlines
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Ability to effectively manage multiple matters in a fast-paced litigation environment
Non-Negotiable Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Active California Bar license
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
2+ years of relevant defense litigation experience
Benefits & Perks
The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees professionally and personally, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet insurance
- Identity theft protection
- Additional voluntary benefits
Professional Development
Attorneys also have access to robust professional development opportunities, including formal mentorship, hands-on litigation and trial training, and continued attorney development programs.
The firm provides opportunities for associates to gain meaningful case responsibility, work alongside experienced trial attorneys, and develop their litigation skills within a collaborative national platform with long-term growth opportunities.