Trial Attorney, Civil Litigation

Trial Attorney, Civil Litigation

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

Job Description: We are seeking an experienced Trial Attorney to join a growing litigation team. This role is ideal for a skilled civil litigator with substantial courtroom and trial experience who is comfortable independently managing complex cases from inception through trial and resolution.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical, legal writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills, along with sound judgment and the ability to develop and execute effective litigation strategies. This attorney will have significant responsibility for an active caseload and will work closely with clients, claims professionals, experts, opposing counsel, co-counsel, and the courts.

PRACTICE AREAS

Civil Litigation, Professional Liability, General Liability, Premises Liability, Auto Liability, Medical/Dental Malpractice

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload of complex civil litigation matters from inception through trial and resolution.
• Develop and implement comprehensive litigation and trial strategies based on the legal and factual issues of each case.
• Analyze liability, damages, causation, exposure, and settlement considerations and provide strategic recommendations to clients and claims representatives.
• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis and prepare well-founded legal arguments.
• Draft and prepare pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, mediation statements, trial briefs, and other legal documents.
• Prepare for and conduct depositions of plaintiffs, defendants, experts, witnesses, and other parties.
• Take and defend depositions and effectively develop the evidentiary record throughout litigation.
• Identify, retain, prepare, and work closely with expert witnesses and other trial consultants as appropriate.
• Review and analyze medical records, technical documents, expert reports, deposition testimony, and other complex case materials.
• Prepare cases for trial, including developing trial themes, preparing witnesses, organizing exhibits, and developing evidentiary and procedural strategies.
• Handle trial-related matters, including motions in limine, evidentiary objections, jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, and closing arguments.
• Represent clients at trials, hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and other legal proceedings.
• Provide timely legal advice, case evaluations, status updates, and strategic recommendations to clients, adjusters, and claims representatives.
• Maintain strong and proactive client relationships throughout the life of each matter.
• Communicate and negotiate effectively with opposing counsel, co-counsel, experts, witnesses, and the courts.
• Take ownership of the prompt, efficient, and effective resolution of assigned matters.
• Effectively manage competing deadlines and priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and quality.
• Accurately record billable time and tasks in accordance with firm and client billing requirements.
• Collaborate with other attorneys and legal professionals while exercising a high degree of independence and professional judgment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar; Nevada Bar admission is a plus.
• 5+ years of civil litigation experience with significant trial experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex litigation matters through trial.
• Proven courtroom experience, including handling hearings, depositions, motions, mediations, and trials.
• Strong understanding of civil litigation strategy, discovery, motion practice, evidentiary issues, and trial procedure.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, oral advocacy, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and case evaluation abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience working with expert witnesses and preparing complex cases for trial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to clients, judges, juries, and opposing counsel.
• Strong negotiation, advocacy, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage a substantial caseload while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work product.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, clients, claims professionals, and support staff.
• Must be able to appear in court and attend hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trials both in person and virtually.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology/software.
• Highly responsive, organized, and professional in all communications.
• Ability to travel between offices, courts, client meetings, depositions, and other legal settings as needed.
• Ability to review and analyze a high volume of documents and records and prepare detailed legal work product.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stress, exercise sound judgment, and perform effectively in a fast-paced and demanding litigation environment.

Compensation: Salary DOE with an excellent benefits package.

Location: On-site/hybrid/remote in California, with San Diego, Long Beach, Corona, San Francisco, Los Gatos, and Santa Ana Offices