Associate Attorney

Permanent Placements LLC; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) employer match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

FSA/HSA

Job summary

Permanent Placements LLC client seeks an experienced Trial Attorney to lead first-chair defense in California civil matters, managing complex cases from start to verdict. You will develop strategies, handle all phases of litigation, and coordinate with experts and clients across multiple offices.

The ideal candidate has substantial California civil defense trial experience, excellent written and oral advocacy, and the ability to grow a robust trial practice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active California Bar membership.
• Substantial first-chair trial experience and ability to independently manage cases through trial.
• Strong courtroom, deposition, and advocacy skills; excellent legal writing and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to build client relationships and contribute to business development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first-chair trial counsel in civil litigation matters.
• Develop and execute litigation and trial strategy from inception through verdict.
• Independently manage all phases of litigation, including pleadings, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, mediation, and settlement negotiations.
• Handle warranty defense matters, including consumer warranty claims, when applicable.
• Manage client communications and provide strategic case assessments.
• Coordinate with experts, witnesses, and litigation support teams.
• Travel throughout California for depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices and practice groups.

Skills

First-chair trial experience

Case management

Legal writing

Negotiation skills

Client relationships

Organization

Independent work

Courtroom advocacy

Deposition skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

California Bar in good standing

Job description

Trial Attorney – Civil Defense Litigation

Our client, a nationally recognized litigation firm, is seeking an experienced Trial Attorney to join its California litigation practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned civil defense litigator with significant trial experience who is looking to take on first-chair responsibility, manage sophisticated matters, and further expand a robust trial practice.

The ideal candidate will have substantial California civil defense litigation experience and a proven ability to independently manage cases through trial. While warranty defense experience is highly desirable, attorneys with strong trial backgrounds in other civil defense practice areas are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first-chair trial counsel in civil litigation matters
• Develop and execute litigation and trial strategy from inception through verdict
• Independently manage all phases of litigation, including:
• Pleadings
• Depositions
• Motion practice
• Court appearances
• Mediation and settlement negotiations
• Trial preparation and trial
• Handle warranty defense matters, including consumer warranty claims, when applicable
• Manage client communications and provide strategic case assessments
• Coordinate with experts, witnesses, and litigation support teams
• Travel throughout California as needed for depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices and practice groups

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with the California Bar
• Demonstrated first-chair trial experience
• Experience independently managing cases from assignment through resolution
• Strong courtroom, deposition, and advocacy skills
• Excellent legal writing, analytical, and negotiation abilities
• Strong client relationship and business development skills
• Exceptional organization and case management capabilities
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment

Preferred Experience

• Warranty defense litigation experience
• Experience handling matters involving:
• Consumer warranty claims
• Automotive litigation
• Product liability
• Commercial litigation
• Familiarity with California warranty statutes, including the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act

Why This Opportunity

Our client offers attorneys the opportunity to build and expand a sophisticated trial practice within a highly respected national litigation platform. Attorneys benefit from:

• Significant first-chair trial opportunities
• Direct client contact and litigation ownership
• Exposure to sophisticated civil defense matters
• A collaborative and supportive litigation team
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• Opportunities to expand into warranty and other specialized defense practices
• Salary Range: $180,000 – $250,000 annually
• Bonus opportunities
• Recognition and compensation for business origination

Benefits include:

• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development and continuing legal education support
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee referral incentives and additional employee programs

Work Arrangement

• Hybrid work environment combining remote and in-office flexibility
• Travel throughout California as needed for litigation events and trials

Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment where experienced litigators can take ownership of meaningful matters, develop their trial practices, and build long-term careers within a nationally recognized litigation platform.