Associate Attorney - Defense Litigation

Associate Attorney – Defense LitigationPractice Areas: General Liability | Toxic Tort Litigation Location: Irvine California Experience: 2+ Years Position Type: Full-TimeAbout the OpportunityA 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 ResponsibilitiesHandle local and national litigation matters throughout CaliforniaIndependently manage an active defense litigation caseloadDevelop case strategy in collaboration with partners and clientsConduct plaintiff, fact witness, and expert depositionsPrepare witnesses for depositions and trialReview and analyze discovery requests and case materialsDraft and respond to written discoveryResearch and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive legal documentsHandle motion practice and court appearancesWork directly with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other partiesAssist with and participate in trial preparation and trialManage deadlines and cases efficiently from inception through resolutionMaintain accurate and timely billing recordsCandidate QualificationsMinimum of 2+ years of defense litigation experience requiredExperience in one or more of the following areas strongly preferred:General LiabilityProduct LiabilityToxic Tort LitigationEnvironmental LiabilityComplex Civil LitigationJuris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school requiredActive California Bar admission requiredExperience with substantive motion practiceDeposition experience requiredExperience taking the lead on plaintiff and/or expert depositions strongly preferredStrong legal research and writing skillsAbility to independently manage cases and competing deadlinesExcellent analytical and problem-solving skillsHighly organized with strong attention to detailAbility to effectively manage multiple matters in a fast-paced litigation environmentNon-Negotiable RequirementsCandidates must have:Active California Bar licenseJ.D. from an ABA-accredited law school2+ years of relevant defense litigation experienceBenefits & PerksThe firm offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees professionally and personally, including:Medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement planLife and AD&D insuranceLong-term disability insurancePaid time offParental leaveHealth Savings Account (HSA)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Pet insuranceIdentity theft protectionAdditional voluntary benefitsProfessional DevelopmentAttorneys 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.