Civil Litigator / Defense Associate

1872 Consulting; Irvine; Hybrid; GBP 106,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

A Southern California law firm is seeking a Civil Litigator with 5–7 years of experience in insurance defense. You will manage civil defense cases for a self-insured client, allowing for thorough work without micromanagement. An ideal candidate should have a strong background in depositions and motion practice. The role offers a supportive, flexible work environment with competitive benefits including medical and 401(k).

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Flexible schedule

Occasional work-from-home days

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of civil or insurance defense litigation experience.
• Strong deposition and motion practice experience.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle civil defense cases from intake through resolution.
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Draft dispositive and non-dispositive motions.

Skills

Civil or insurance defense litigation experience

Deposition and motion practice

Excellent writing and verbal communication

Ability to work independently

Education

Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar

Job description

Civil Litigator / Defense Associate (5–7 years)

Location: Irvine, CA | In-office with occasional flexibility

Base salary: $140,000–$180,000 DOE

Manageable 1550 billable target

Company Summary

We're a Southern California law firm with offices in Irvine and San Diego, practicing in litigation, business, and trusts & estates. Our team values high-quality work, practical collaboration, and a culture built for long-term sustainability. We believe attorneys do their best work when they're supported, trusted, and balanced.

Position Summary

We're looking for a Civil Litigator with 5–7 years of experience defending personal injury and premises liability cases. You'll manage matters for a self-insured client—not a carrier—allowing more thoughtful, thorough case work. Expect autonomy, reasonable billables, and a supportive, flexible environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle civil defense cases (PI and premises) from intake through resolution
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts
• Draft dispositive and non-dispositive motions (MSJ, demurrers, MILs)
• Conduct discovery, manage experts, prepare mediation materials
• Communicate directly with self-insured client; provide analysis and strategy updates
• Prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial binders for potential trial
• Maintain 1550 billable-hour target and meet deadlines consistently

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of civil or insurance defense litigation experience
• Strong deposition and motion practice experience
• Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar
• Excellent writing and verbal communication
• Able to work independently and prioritize efficiently

Nice to Have

• Second-chair or first-chair trial experience
• Experience with self-insured or corporate defense clients

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k) with match, PTO
• Flexible schedule and occasional work-from-home days

Why this role

• Manageable 1550 billable target
• Self-insured client = no billing micromanagement
• In-office collaboration with flexibility
• No weekend work; family-friendly team
• Modern, balanced environment with real professional autonomy