Associate – Trial & Defense (California)

Software Placement Group, SPG; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

Disability & Life Insurance

Parental leave

Flexible paid time off

Wellness programs

401(k) plan

Student loan repayment support

Firm-sponsored perks

Job summary

A leading international law firm in California seeks a Litigation Associate to defend complex product liability and commercial disputes, working with insurers and policyholders across domestic and international markets.

The role offers exposure to high-exposure litigation, mentorship, and long-term advancement within a renowned trial and defense practice group. Hybrid schedule and competitive compensation are provided.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 regarding case status and strategy.
• Engage in direct communication with clients and insurers.
• Assist in case development, litigation strategy, and trial preparation.
• Collaborate with partners and team members to advance case objectives.

Skills

Legal research

Pleadings & briefs

Deposition & trial prep

Client communication

Analytical reasoning

Education

JD/LLM from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Location: Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Irvine, CA | Schedule: Full-time, Hybrid | Compensation: $135,000–$150,000 annual base salary

Overview

A leading international law firm is seeking a skilled Litigation Associate to join its Trial & Defense Practice Group. This role offers the opportunity to defend complex product liability matters (environmental, asbestos, talc, etc.) and commercial disputes, working with policyholders, brokers, and domestic and international insurers, including London Market carriers, on latent-type insurance claims.

What you'll do

• 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

Required qualifications

• 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
• 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

Preferred qualifications

• Exposure to product liability defense preferred

Compensation and benefits

• 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
• Additional firm-sponsored perks

Why this role

This is an opportunity to practice within a nationally-recognized trial and defense group known for handling high-exposure and complex litigation matters, offering hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and long-term advancement potential.