Associate Attorney

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range $120,000–$165,000 peryear

Full-time, part-time, and contract (op

401(k) with employer match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames seeks an Associate to defend physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers in medical malpractice matters. You will work with partners and staff to develop case strategy, communicate with clients, and manage risk while maintaining professional advocacy.

A proven trial background is preferred. The role requires a California-licensed attorney with at least three years of civil defense experience, strong written and verbal skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Three or more years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense.
• Licensed to practice law in California and in good standing.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Co-manage a caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Represent physicians, hospitals, and healthcare professionals in depositions, hearings, trials, and other proceedings.
• Serve as second-chair trial counsel and assist with trial themes, openings, examinations, and closings.
• Manage trial preparation and execute comprehensive case strategies.
• Perform case evaluation and risk assessment with clients and insurers.

Skills

Litigation

Trial experience

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Pressure management

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Position Summary

The Associate works on cases in the defense of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers. The incumbent contributes to and executes comprehensive case strategy, client communication, and risk assessment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and advocacy. The ideal candidate is a litigator with proven experience effectively representing clients at trial. Working collaboratively with a team of partners and legal staff, the Associate ensures effective and results‑driven representation.

Position Responsibilities

• Co‑managing a caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from inception through resolution, including pre‑suit investigation, discovery, motion‑practice, trial, and appeal.
• Represent physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals in depositions, court hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings, providing sound legal advice to clients.
• Assist and serve as second‑chair trial counsel depending on experience, building persuasive trial themes, strategy, opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments.
• Manage trial preparation efforts, developing and executing comprehensive case strategies.
• Perform case evaluation and risk assessment in coordination with clients and insurance carriers, positioning cases for favorable resolution.
• Appear and argue contested hearings, case management conferences, and evidentiary motions with confidence and professionalism.
• Direct settlement negotiations and mediations from a position of trial readiness to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients throughout the litigation process, including candid assessments of liability exposure, jury selection, and trial risk.
• Retain, prepare, and strategically position witnesses, including medical experts.
• Prepare and respond to discovery requests, including interrogatories and document production.
• Defend and take depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Maintain and update case files, ensuring all documentation is accurate and current.
• Remain current on evolving medical malpractice law, standards, and procedural rules to ensure highly effective advocacy in court.
• Work collaboratively with other attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff to ensure effective communication, excellent outcomes, and contribute to the firm’s culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• A minimum of three (3) years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense.
• Litigation experience, preferably in medical malpractice, a plus.
• Must be licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of our team.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor.
• Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems. interpret and/or follow a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to use and understand computer programs to analyze and solve business issues.

Benefits and Terms

• The salary range for the role is $120,000 - $165,000 per year
• We are looking for full‑time, part‑time, and contract attorneys
• Associate Bonus Program with unlimited earning potential
• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable laws.