Trial Attorney

Position Title: Trial Attorney

We are seeking an experienced Trial Attorney to join a respected medical malpractice defense team in Walnut Creek, California. This position involves serving as lead counsel in complex medical malpractice lawsuits and arbitrations, developing litigation strategies, conducting discovery, preparing cases for trial, and representing healthcare professionals throughout the litigation process. Attorneys will lead collaborative legal teams while handling challenging cases in an environment that values professional excellence, teamwork, and work-life balance.

The ideal candidate has extensive medical malpractice defense experience, a strong background in courtroom litigation, and the confidence to independently lead trials and arbitrations. This individual is a strategic thinker, an effective communicator, and a collaborative leader who thrives in a team-oriented legal environment.

Salary Range: $190,000 - $235,000 / annually, DOE

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead trial and arbitration counsel in medical malpractice lawsuits involving physicians, hospitals, and other covered healthcare entities


• Develop and execute comprehensive litigation, discovery, and investigation strategies


• Prepare and successfully try cases before judges and juries and represent clients in arbitration proceedings


• Conduct depositions, examine witnesses, and present compelling legal arguments


• Prepare pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and responses


• Attend court hearings, conferences, and other legal proceedings


• Collaborate with claims specialists to develop effective and cost-conscious defense strategies


• Lead teams of litigation attorneys, legal secretaries, and support professionals throughout the litigation process


• Oversee case preparation, legal research, and litigation strategy to ensure strong client representation


• Provide timely and accurate case updates to claims specialists and clients


• Ensure compliance with established defense guidelines and legal procedures


• Evaluate case risks, settlement opportunities, and trial strategies


• Mentor and support litigation attorneys while fostering a collaborative team environment


• Manage multiple complex litigation matters while maintaining high standards of legal representation

Requirements

• Active California State Bar license in good standing


• Ideally 8 or more years of medical malpractice litigation experience


• Candidates with fewer years of experience considered with substantial trial experience


• Minimum of a few years of defense litigation experience


• First-chair trial experience strongly preferred


• Significant second-chair trial experience considered


• Demonstrated ability to independently prepare and try complex litigation cases


• Strong understanding of California civil litigation procedures, courtroom practices, and medical malpractice defense


• Excellent courtroom presentation, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills


• Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical abilities


• Proven ability to lead legal teams and manage multiple litigation matters


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet competing deadlines


• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, claims specialists, and legal support professionals


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic document management systems


• California litigation experience required

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance


• 401(k) retirement plan with employer profit-sharing contributions


• Paid vacation, sick time and holidays


• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities


• Monthly automobile allowance and mileage reimbursement


• Hybrid work schedule with two in-office days per week


• Flexible scheduling and an emphasis on work-life balance


• Annual performance reviews and professional development opportunities


• Potential opportunities for leadership and management advancement


• Collaborative legal team supported by established organizational resources


• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

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