Associate Trial Attorney

Goody Law Group, LLP; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Generous paid time off

Performance-based bonus and incentive

Job summary

Goody Law Group, LLP in California seeks an Associate Trial Attorney to handle serious injury and wrongful death cases, with ownership of matters through litigation, trial and resolution. The role may be remote, hybrid, or in-office, with opportunities to chair cases as you grow.

We value courtroom experience, first-chair potential, and the drive to take on greater responsibility. You’ll work with lead counsel, file dispositive motions, depose witnesses, and prepare cases for verdict in a

Qualifications

• J.D. and active California Bar license
• Meaningful civil litigation experience and trial exposure
• Experience selecting juries, examining witnesses, trying cases or second-chairing
• Desire to grow as a trial lawyer with increasing first-chair responsibility
• Experience in personal injury, premises liability, auto/trucking collisions or wrongful death
• Plaintiff-side experience is valuable but not required; defense lawyers moving to plaintiff welcome
• Strong knowledge of CCP, Evidence Code, and civil discovery
• Confident deposition skills and persuasive writing
• Judgment to resolve cases or prepare for verdict when appropriate
• Ability to manage a demanding litigation caseload

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of serious injury and wrongful death matters through litigation, trial, and resolution
• Develop case strategy, including liability theories, damages, expert selection, and case valuation
• Take and defend depositions of parties, percipient witnesses, treating providers, and experts
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, motions in limine, discovery motions, and other filings
• Prepare cases for trial, including witness examinations, exhibits, motions, jury instructions, and strategy
• First chair and second chair trials based on experience and case needs
• Collaborate with firm leadership on litigation strategy and trial preparation
• Communicate directly with clients alongside support staff through significant case stages

Skills

Trial experience

Civil litigation

Deposition skills

Legal research

Client communication

Education

J.D. degree

Active California Bar license

Job description

Associate Trial Attorney, Plaintiff Personal Injury

Full-Time, Flexible Schedule

Reports to Lead Trial Attorney

We try cases.

Serious injury and wrongful death matters. High-value cases. Jury trials through verdict.

We have more trial work than one lead trial lawyer can carry, and we are looking for a litigator who wants meaningful responsibility, courtroom experience, and the opportunity to grow into a larger trial role.

We are open to an experienced first-chair trial attorney or a strong litigator with substantial second-chair experience who is ready to take the next step. If you have been waiting for the opportunity to lead more cases, or you are on the defense side ready to bring your litigation experience to the plaintiff side, we would like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Take ownership of serious injury and wrongful death matters through litigation, trial, and resolution
• Develop case strategy, including liability theories, damages analysis, expert selection, and case valuation
• Take and defend depositions of parties, percipient witnesses, treating providers, and experts
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, motions in limine, discovery motions, and other substantive filings
• Prepare cases for trial, including witness examinations, exhibits, motions, jury instructions, and trial strategy
• First chair and second chair trials based on experience and case needs, with regular opportunities to take on greater courtroom responsibility
• Work directly with firm leadership on litigation strategy, settlement decisions, and trial preparation
• Communicate directly with clients (alongside specialized legal and admin support team) and guide them through significant and often difficult stages of their cases

What We're Looking For

• J.D. and active California Bar license
• Meaningful civil litigation experience and demonstrated exposure to trial practice
• Experience picking a jury, examining witnesses, trying cases, or serving as second chair through verdict
• A strong desire to continue developing as a trial lawyer and take on increasing first-chair responsibility
• Experience involving personal injury, premises liability, auto and trucking collisions, wrongful death, or related civil matters
• Plaintiff-side experience is valuable but not required; strong defense litigators interested in moving to the plaintiff side are encouraged to apply
• Strong knowledge of the California Code of Civil Procedure, Evidence Code, and civil discovery practice
• Confident deposition skills and persuasive legal writing
• Sound judgment about when a case should resolve and the willingness to prepare it for verdict when appropriate value is not offered
• The ability to independently manage a demanding litigation caseload and move cases forward
• Strong interpersonal judgment and the ability to communicate with clients who may be navigating some of the most difficult experiences of their lives
• Additional admission in Wyoming, Washington, or Minnesota is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is competitive and based on experience, with significant bonus opportunities that rewards strong performance and successful case outcomes.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Generous paid time off
• Performance-based bonus and incentive opportunities

Additional details regarding compensation structure will be discussed during the interview process.

Location & Work Structure

• The firm is based in Palos Verdes Estates, California, and the position may be structured as remote, hybrid, or in-office depending on the candidate preference.
• Because this is a trial position, attorneys must be available to attend depositions, hearings, mediations, trials, and other in-person proceedings as required.
• Candidates currently based in Southern California are strongly preferred. Exceptional candidates outside the area who are prepared to relocate will also be considered.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on the firm's caseload.
• We are looking for someone who can begin within approximately one month.

We are especially interested in hearing from attorneys who want more responsibility, more courtroom experience, and the opportunity to become a stronger lawyer through regular trial work.

No recruiters, please. Direct applicants only.