Associate Attorney - Insurance Defense & Civil Litigation

Job Description

Job Description

Boutique Law Firm - Tustin, CA

About Our Firm

Our well-established boutique law firm in Tustin, CA specializes in insurance defense and civil litigation. We pride ourselves on fostering a collegial and respectful work environment built on teamwork, close relationships, and loyal bonds among our attorneys and staff. Our small office maintains a strong book of clients and a reputation for excellence in legal service.

Position Overview

We are seeking a litigation attorney with 1-10 years of experience to join our team full-time. This position offers the opportunity to learn and practice the art of litigation, prepare cases for trial and try cases on behalf of our clients. We offer attorneys a supportive, mentorship-focused environment to grow and improve their litigation skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft discovery requests and responses
• Write and argue motions
• Take and defend depositions
• Conduct comprehensive legal research
• Manage litigation files from inception through resolution
• Track billable time accurately
• Maintain the highest ethical standards in all legal matters
• Research and prepare motions with attention to detail
• Analyze liability in complex cases

Required Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in California
• Strong integrity and work ethic - non-negotiable
• 1-10 years of legal experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior research and analytical abilities
• Proficient computer skills, including typing and document formatting
• Detail-oriented approach to all work
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and attorneys
• Respect for colleagues and commitment to team environment

Preferred Qualifications (Valued but not required)

• Trial experience
• Litigation experience
• Experience in trusts and estates law

What We Offer

• Mentorship and training in litigation and trial preparation
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and work hours
• Medical, dental, and life insurance benefits (pro rata for part-time positions)
• Collegial, respectful work environment
• Opportunity for professional growth within established firm
• Close-knit team atmosphere with loyal, long-term relationships

Salary Range

· $100,000-$140,000, depending on experience

· Medical, dental, long-term disability and life insurance benefits

· Paid holidays and time off

Application Requirements

Please submit the following materials:

1. Complete resume including ALL prior employment (not limited to legal work)
2. Writing sample demonstrating your legal writing abilities
3. Cover letter addressing:
   • Why you believe this position is the right fit for you
   • Your salary expectations
   • Three professional references with contact information

Our Culture & Expectations

We are not like other firms. Our small office represents a dedicated group of professionals who have committed their careers to this practice. We demand excellence from ourselves and each other, and we expect the same commitment from our team members.

This work must be your passion. We seek someone who shares our dedication to legal service and our commitment to building lasting professional relationships. If litigation and client service are not your calling, please do not apply.

Location

Tustin, California (Orange County)

Employment Type

Full-time

To Apply:

Please submit the following:

1. Resume, including all prior employment, not just legal work

2. Cover letter addressing:

§ Why you believe this job is a good match for your interests

§ Your suggestion for appropriate pay

§ Three professional references identifying their name, their relationship to you and their contact information.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We are a small office that is well established in Tustin with a strong book of clients, past and present. We demand excellence from ourselves and each other. Therefore, we demand the same of you. This is a small group of people that has dedicated their lives to this service, and we seek someone with the same desire to do this work. If this is not your passion, please do not apply.

Company Description

We are a small office that is well established in Tustin with a strong book of clients, past and present. We demand excellence from ourselves and each other. Therefore, we demand the same of you. This is a small group of people that has dedicated their lives to this service, and we seek someone with the same desire to do this work. If this is not your passion, please do not apply.