Associate - Trial & Defense (Los Angeles, CA)

Associate - Trial & Defense

Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group Location: California - Los Angeles HYBRID

Our client, a leading international law firm, is seeking a skilled Litigation Associate Attorney to join its dynamic Trial & Defense Practice Group. This opportunity is ideal for a litigation associate who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to take on meaningful responsibility across a diverse portfolio of matters. The role offers hands-on courtroom experience, direct client interaction, and exposure to all phases of litigation, from early case strategy through trial.

Candidate Profile

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing
• 2+ years of substantive litigation experience
• Experience managing a litigation caseload and handling matters from inception through resolution
• Strong background in legal research and writing, including motion practice and discovery
• Experience drafting and responding to written discovery and reviewing documents for production
• Demonstrated ability to take and defend depositions and participate in hearings and mediations
• Effective oral advocate with strong interpersonal and client-facing skills
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines
• Prior law firm litigation experience strongly preferred
• Superior legal writing, analytical, and research skills
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 10–20 active matters
• Investigate claims and develop case-handling strategies in collaboration with senior attorneys
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and discovery responses
• Review, analyze, and manage documents for production
• Conduct legal research using Westlaw and other research tools
• Take and defend depositions and assist with witness preparation
• Attend hearings and argue motions as appropriate
• Draft pre-trial and trial-related documents
• Prepare matters for mediation and trial and actively participate in proceedings
• Maintain consistent, high-quality reporting and communication with clients

Why Join Us?

This opportunity offers a strong platform to practice within a nationally-recognized trial and defense group known for handling high-exposure and complex litigation matters. Attorneys in this practice gain substantial hands-on experience. Associates develop strong trial skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage significant responsibility early in their careers.

The team is known for its deep subject-matter expertise, strong mentorship, and collaborative environment. For attorneys seeking to build a career in complex litigation within a high-performing yet collegial practice, this role provides exceptional training, professional development, and long-term advancement potential.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: Expected annual base salary range of $155,000–$175,000, as determined by experience and market factors
• Annual Performance-based and Monthly Bonus Eligibility
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with immediate vesting; performance-based bonuses; student loan repayment assistance; generous paid time off; hybrid work flexibility; wellness stipend and dedicated wellbeing day; inclusive parental leave; professional development and mentorship programs; referral bonuses; and additional lifestyle and wellbeing benefits

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and law school transcript for consideration.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.