Associate - Trial & Defense (Los Angeles, CA)
ASSOCIATE - Trial & Defense
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.