Associate Attorney

The Advocates | Driggs, Bills, and Day PNW; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Commuter benefits

Wellness program

Job summary

The Advocates, a growing personal injury law firm, is launching in Los Angeles and seeks the first attorney to join the CA team. You will manage California PI cases with support from a multi-state firm and help build the LA office from its start.

The ideal candidate has hands-on CA PI experience and an entrepreneurial mindset, ready to own matters while collaborating with Pacific Northwest leadership. Base salary: $175,000–$210,000/year, plus incentives.

Qualifications

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school
• Meaningful plaintiff experience handling California personal injury matters
• Knowledge of California personal injury law, insurance claims, damages, liens, statutes of limitation, and pre-litigation procedures
• Ability to independently evaluate claims and move cases forward

Responsibilities

• Case management and strategy: review leads and police reports to assess liability and viability of claims
• Client advocacy: maintain regular updates and manage timelines with clients
• Evidence and investigation: oversee dashcam footage, witness statements, and scene photos
• Drafting and negotiation: negotiate settlements with insurance adjusters
• Litigation: identify cases for litigation; assist with pleadings, discovery, depositions
• LA office growth: help establish presence in Los Angeles and build local reputation

Skills

Bar admission (CA)

PI litigation

Negotiation

Legal writing

Client communication

Litigation strategy

Education

Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

The Advocates is a growing personal injury law firm with offices across the United States. We are dedicated to representing people who have been injured in accidents with care, respect, and empathy. Our team genuinely cares about the people who seek our help, and we are driven to achieve the best possible results for every client.

Our Pacific Coast team includes more than 20 personal injury attorneys, along with experienced legal assistants, paralegals, and support staff who share a deep commitment to guiding clients through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

We have recently entered the Los Angeles market and are looking for the first attorney to join our LA office. This person will work closely with our established Pacific Northwest legal team, as well as firm leadership, to serve California clients and help build The Advocates' presence in Southern California.

About the Role

This is an opportunity for a California personal injury attorney who wants more than a traditional associate position.

As our first attorney based in Los Angeles, you will manage and develop a growing inventory of California personal injury cases while helping us establish how our firm operates and serves clients in the market. You will have the resources, systems, and support of an established multi-state firm, along with the opportunity to help shape a new office from its earliest stages.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience handling California personal injury claims, understands the progression of a case from intake through resolution, and is comfortable taking ownership of their work. We are looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, resourceful, and excited by growth‑not someone who needs every process to already be built for them.

You will work closely with firm leadership and collaborate regularly with our attorneys and staff throughout the Pacific Northwest. Although you will have a strong team behind you, you should be comfortable being the firm's legal presence on the ground in Los Angeles and helping develop relationships, processes, and opportunities in the market.

Responsibilities

• Case Management & Strategy: Review new leads and police reports to determine liability and assess the viability of claims.
• Client Advocacy & Communication: Act as the main liaison for clients, providing regular updates and managing expectations regarding case timelines.
• Evidence & Investigation: Oversee the collection of evidence, including dashcam footage, witness statements, and scene photos.
• Drafting & Negotiation: Negotiate settlements with insurance adjusters to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.
• Litigation: Identify cases that should be litigated and assist with or take responsibility for pleadings, discovery, motions, depositions, and other litigation matters based on experience and the needs of the firm.
• Los Angeles Office Growth: Work alongside firm leadership to help establish and develop The Advocates' presence in Los Angeles, including contributing ideas, identifying opportunities, and helping build a strong local reputation.

What We Are Looking For

• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Meaningful plaintiff experience handling California personal injury matters
• Working knowledge of California personal injury law, insurance claims, damages, liens, statutes of limitation, and pre‑litigation procedures
• Ability to independently evaluate claims, identify issues, and move cases forward
• Strong negotiation, writing, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to clients and colleagues
• Ability to draft clear and persuasive demands, pleadings, discovery, and motions; a writing sample may be requested
• Excellent client‑management skills and the ability to communicate with empathy while setting realistic expectations
• A strongly pro‑plaintiff mindset and a genuine drive to maximize recovery for injured clients
• Comfort working in a growing environment where initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment are valued
• An entrepreneurial and team‑oriented mentality, with an interest in helping build something rather than simply stepping into an already established role

The Right Fit

You may be a strong fit for this role if you are confident enough to take ownership but collaborative enough to seek input when needed. You are motivated by the opportunity to help grow a respected firm in a new market and understand that building an office requires flexibility, persistence, and a willingness to contribute beyond the boundaries of a conventional associate position.

You will not be building alone. You will have the support of experienced attorneys, established departments, proven systems, and firm leadership. At the same time, we are looking for someone who is energized by the opportunity to help determine what The Advocates becomes in Los Angeles.

• Base Salary: $175,000 – $210,000 / year (plus performance‑based incentive structure)
• Health Coverage: Up to 100% employer‑paid health, dental, and vision insurance (buy‑up options available)
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching
• Commuter Benefits: Choice of fully covered parking spot or Commuter/Metro Card program
• Wellness: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)