Associate - Trial & Defense (California)

Job Juncture; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Job Juncture's client, a leading international law firm, seeks a Litigation Associate Attorney to join its Trial & Defense Practice in California. The role focuses on defending complex product liability matters and commercial disputes, with hybrid work arrangements and close mentorship from seasoned litigators.

Ideal candidates hold a JD/LLM from an ABA-accredited school, California bar admission, 1–4 years of substantive litigation experience, and strong abilities in drafting pleadings,

Qualifications

• JD/LLM from an ABA-accredited law school with excellent academic record
• Active California Bar admission in good standing
• 1–4 years of substantive litigation experience
• Experience handling complex liability, commercial disputes, or insurance claims
• Exposure to product liability defense preferred
• Strong legal research and drafting of pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Comfortable with depositions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare detailed analyses
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation filings
• Participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials
• Interview clients, eyewitnesses, and other relevant parties
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive reporting to clients on case status and strategy
• Engage in direct communication with clients and insurers
• Assist in all phases of case development, litigation strategy, and trial preparation
• Collaborate with partners and team members to advance case objectives with efficiency and precision

Skills

Bar admission in California

Litigation experience

Product liability defense exposure

Legal research

Draft pleadings and motions

Trial preparation and depositions

Education

JD/LLM from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Associate - Trial & Defense (California)

Salary: $135,000 - $150,000 per year

Posted: September 30 2026

Relocation Assistance: Not Available

ASSOCIATE - Trial & Defense

TRIAL & DEFENSE PRACTICE

HYBRID

Our client, a leading international law firm, is seeking a skilled Litigation Associate Attorney to join its dynamic Trial & Defense Practice Group. This position offers the opportunity to defend a broad range of complex product liability matters (environmental, asbestos, talc, etc.) and commercial disputes, working with policyholders, brokers, London Market and other domestic and international insurers in this space and in relation to other latent type insurance claims.. Associates in this group gain significant hands‑on experience while working closely with seasoned litigators in a fast-paced and dynamic practice.

Candidate Profile

• JD/LLM from an ABA-accredited law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing
• 1-4 years of substantive litigation experience
• Experience handling complex liability, commercial disputes, or insurance claims
• Exposure to product liability defense preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Comfortable participating in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation
• Superior legal writing, analytical, and research skills
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-moving environment

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare detailed analyses
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related filings
• Participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials
• Interview clients, eyewitnesses, and other relevant parties
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive reporting to clients regarding case status and strategy
• Engage in significant direct communication with clients and insurers
• Assist in all phases of case development, litigation strategy, and trial preparation
• Collaborate with partners and team members to advance case objectives with efficiency and precision

Why Join Us?

This opportunity offers a strong platform to practice within a nationally-recognized trial and defense group known for handling high-exposure and complex litigation matters. Attorneys in this practice gain substantial hands‑on experience. Associates develop strong trial skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage significant responsibility early in their careers.

The team is known for its deep subject‑matter expertise, strong mentorship, and collaborative environment. For attorneys seeking to build a career in complex litigation within a high-performingyet collegial practice, this role provides exceptional training, professional development, and long‑term advancement potential.

• Annual Salary: Expected annual base salary range of $135,000–$150,000, as determined by experience and market factors
• Annual Performance-based and Monthly Bonus Eligibility
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid parental leave; flexible paid time off; wellness programs; 401(k)/retirement plans; student loan repayment support; and additional firm-sponsored perks