Associate Attorney - Defense Litigation

KnowHireMatch; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A prominent California defense firm is looking for an Associate Attorney to manage defense litigation from inception to resolution. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor and active admission to the California Bar, with at least one year of litigation experience preferred. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, depositions, and trial preparation. The role offers broad litigation training and mentorship from experienced attorneys, promoting a stable and growth-oriented career path.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of litigation experience required (0‑4 years overall preferred).
• Experience or exposure to workers' compensation, civil defense, employment defense, or subrogation is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support litigation matters from case opening through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal memoranda.
• Take and defend depositions and appear at hearings and conferences.
• Assist with trial preparation and dispositive motion practice.
• Collaborate closely with senior attorneys on case strategy and development.
• Communicate with clients, insurance carriers, and opposing counsel.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Writing

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active admission to the California Bar

Job description

Compensation: $100,000 - $180,000 base (DOE)

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join a well-established California defense firm with over 60 years of litigation credibility
• Gain broad, hands‑on litigation exposure across workers' compensation, civil liability, employment defense, subrogation, and maritime‑related matters
• Work directly with experienced trial attorneys who actively mentor and develop junior litigators
• Take on real responsibility early, including depositions, hearings, and motion practice
• Enjoy a stable, long‑term platform with consistent defense‑side work and clear career progression

Location

Downtown San Diego, California. This is a fully on‑site role supporting litigation matters throughout Southern California. Relocation assistance is not available.

About Our Client

Our client is a long‑standing California defense law firm with a strong reputation representing employers, insurers, and defendants in a wide range of litigation matters. With more than six decades of experience, the firm is known for its trial capabilities, professional integrity, and commitment to training the next generation of defense litigators.

Role Overview

The Associate Attorney will support and manage defense litigation matters from inception through resolution, working closely with senior attorneys on strategy, discovery, and trial preparation. This role is ideal for an attorney seeking broad litigation experience rather than being siloed into a narrow practice area.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support litigation matters from case opening through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal memoranda
• Take and defend depositions and appear at hearings and conferences
• Assist with trial preparation and dispositive motion practice
• Collaborate closely with senior attorneys on case strategy and development
• Communicate with clients, insurance carriers, and opposing counsel

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active admission to the California Bar (required)
• 1+ year of litigation experience required (0‑4 years overall preferred)
• Experience or exposure to workers' compensation, civil defense, employment defense, or subrogation is strongly preferred
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Broad‑based litigation training instead of a narrow practice silo
• Direct mentorship from seasoned trial attorneys
• Professional, no‑nonsense culture focused on high‑quality legal work
• Long‑term stability with clear opportunities for growth
• Well‑respected name within the California defense bar

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off