Associate Attorney- Tort Litigation

Higgs Fletcher & Mack® LLP.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with generous employer match

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Employer paid Life and AD&D insurance

Employer paid Short-Term Disability

Unlimited Paid Time Off (Attorneys)

Paid holidays

On-site gym access

Job summary

Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP in San Diego seeks an experienced Litigation Associate to join our Tort practice group. The ideal candidate has a minimum of three years of Tort litigation experience, handling all phases of case management, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation.

Join a collaborative and highly respected team at one of San Diego’s premier full‑service law firms known for excellence, client service, and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to and in good standing with the California bar.
• 3+ years of Tort litigation experience.
• Strong analytical skills and written communication skills.
• Highly motivated professional who can take initiative and work independently as well as within a team.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings and discovery for all aspects of a case, including law and motion, discovery motions, propounding discovery, depositions, mediations, and trial.
• Take depositions of parties, percipient witnesses, and experts.
• Consultation with, and preparation of, experts.
• Research and articulate findings based upon research into complex areas of the law to support case strategy and theories to be raised in the litigation.
• Manage intensive fact discovery including electronic discovery platforms and ESI issues.
• Comprehensive and clear reporting to partners and client representatives.
• Persuasive communication and negotiation with opposing counsel.

Skills

Tort litigation

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

JD or equivalent

Job description

Are ready to advance your career with one of San Diego’s most highly regarded law firms?

Founded in 1939, Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP is one of San Diego’s most established and respected full-service law firms. With more than 70 attorneys across 20+ practice areas, the firm provides sophisticated legal counsel to businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout California. Known for its commitment to excellence, collaboration, and client service, Higgs Fletcher & Mack combines the depth and expertise of a large law firm with the personalized attention of a boutique practice. The firm fosters a culture of professionalism, integrity, diversity, and community involvement, offering employees the opportunity to build rewarding careers while contributing to meaningful client outcomes and lasting community impact.

HFM is seeking an experienced Litigation Associate Attorney to join our Tort practice group. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience handling tort litigation matters, including all phases of case management, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and highly respected team, work on sophisticated and challenging matters, and continue developing your litigation skills within one of San Diego’s premier law firms.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings and discovery for all aspects of a case, including law and motion, discovery motions, propounding discovery, depositions, mediations, and trial
• Take depositions of parties, percipient witnesses, and experts
• Consultation with, and preparation of, experts
• Research and articulate findings based upon research into complex areas of the law to support case strategy and theories to be raised in the litigation. Be able to raise new theories for consideration in cases.
• Manage intensive fact discovery in a case including to be able to use and willing to use electronic discovery platforms and wade through ESI issues
• Comprehensive and clear reporting to partners and client representatives
• Persuasive communication and negotiation with opposing counsel

Required Experience

• Must be admitted to and in good standing with the California bar
• 3+ years of Tort litigation experience
• Possess strong analytical skills and written communication skills
• Highly motivated professional who can take initiative and work independently as well as within a team

Featured Benefits

• 401(k) with a generous employer match
• Health insurance (no cost options available!)
• Vision insurance
• Employer paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer paid Short-Term Disability
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (Attorneys)
• Paid holidays
• Offices overlooking San Diego Bay & Downtown San Diego
• Free on-site gym membership
• Access to building lounge featuring indoor & outdoor terrace decks that include Bevi Water, Social Game Room (pool tables, golf simulator), mothers’ room and more!
• Paid onsite parking
• Ongoing on-site workshops & continuing education programs

About Higgs Fletcher & Mack

Founded in 1939, Higgs Fletcher & Mack is San Diego’s oldest full-service law firm. We make it our business to know our clients and their competition, constantly expanding and evolving in the areas where they have needs. We look for solutions, focusing on the economics of our clients’ issues. The firm’s lawyers, over 75 in number, are individually and collectively committed to the personal and professional values that make us exceptional in the legal services industry.

About Higgs Fletcher & Mack

Founded in 1939, Higgs Fletcher & Mack is San Diego’s oldest full-service law firm. We make it our business to know our clients and their competition, constantly expanding and evolving in the areas where they have needs. We look for solutions, focusing on the economics of our clients’ issues. The firm’s lawyers, over 75 in number, are individually and collectively committed to the personal and professional values that make us exceptional in the legal services industry.

Equal opportunity Statement

Higgs Fletcher & Mack is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to these factors. We believe in creating an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Equal opportunity Statement

Higgs Fletcher & Mack is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to these factors. We believe in creating an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.