Associate Attorney - Defense Litigation

Contra Costa County Bar Association; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Life and AD&D insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pet insurance

Identity theft protection

Additional voluntary benefits

Job summary

Contra Costa County Bar Association seeks an Associate Attorney – Defense Litigation to join its California practice in Irvine. The attorney will handle local and national defense matters, manage a busy caseload, and develop strategy with partners and clients.

The role requires at least 2 years of defense litigation experience, a JD from an ABA-accredited school, and active CA Bar admission. Strong deposition and motion skills are essential in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of defense litigation experience.
• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school required.
• Active California Bar license required.
• Experience with deposition and motion practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle local and national litigation matters throughout California.
• Independently manage an active defense litigation caseload.
• Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and clients.
• Conduct plaintiff, fact witness, and expert depositions.
• Prepare witnesses for depositions and trial.
• Draft and respond to written discovery and pleadings.
• Research and draft motions, briefs, and other substantive documents.
• Handle motion practice and court appearances.
• Work directly with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other parties.
• Assist with and participate in trial preparation and trial.
• Manage deadlines and cases efficiently from inception through resolution.
• Maintain accurate and timely billing records.

Job description

Associate Attorney – Defense Litigation

Practice Areas: General Liability | Toxic Tort Litigation
Location: Irvine California
Experience: 2 Years
Position Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

A nationally recognized litigation law firm is seeking Associate Attorneys with 2 years of defense litigation experience to join its growing California practice.

The firm handles sophisticated civil litigation for clients across the country, with a particular focus on general liability, toxic tort, product liability, environmental liability, and other complex litigation matters.

This is an opportunity for attorneys who want substantive responsibility, direct involvement in cases, and the ability to independently manage matters while working alongside experienced litigators on both local and national accounts.

Attorneys may join one of two primary practice areas:

General Liability

Represent clients in a broad range of civil defense matters, including premises liability, personal injury, product liability, and other complex liability claims.

Toxic Tort Litigation

Handle sophisticated toxic tort and environmental litigation involving complex factual, medical, scientific, and expert issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle local and national litigation matters throughout California
• Independently manage an active defense litigation caseload
• Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and clients
• Conduct plaintiff, fact witness, and expert depositions
• Prepare witnesses for depositions and trial
• Review and analyze discovery requests and case materials
• Draft and respond to written discovery
• Research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive legal documents
• Handle motion practice and court appearances
• Work directly with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other parties
• Assist with and participate in trial preparation and trial
• Manage deadlines and cases efficiently from inception through resolution
• Maintain accurate and timely billing records

Candidate Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of defense litigation experience required
• Experience in one or more of the following areas strongly preferred:
  • General Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Toxic Tort Litigation
  • Environmental Liability
  • Complex Civil Litigation
• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school required
• Active California Bar admission required
• Experience with substantive motion practice
• Deposition experience required
• Experience taking the lead on plaintiff and/or expert depositions strongly preferred
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Ability to independently manage cases and competing deadlines
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to effectively manage multiple matters in a fast-paced litigation environment

Non-Negotiable Requirements

Candidates must have:

• Active California Bar license
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school

2 years of relevant defense litigation experience

Benefits & Perks

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees professionally and personally, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet insurance
• Identity theft protection
• Additional voluntary benefits

Professional Development

Attorneys also have access to robust professional development opportunities, including formal mentorship, hands‑on litigation and trial training, and continued attorney development programs.

The firm provides opportunities for associates to gain meaningful case responsibility, work alongside experienced trial attorneys, and develop their litigation skills within a collaborative national platform with long‑term growth opportunities.