Associate - Trial & Defense (California)

Keystone Distinction Group; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Flexible PTO

401(k)/retirement plans

Student loan repayment support

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in California is seeking a Litigation Associate to join a leading Trial & Defense Practice. The role defends complex product liability, environmental, asbestos, talc, and commercial disputes, collaborating with policyholders, brokers, and insurers in domestic and international spaces.

Ideal candidates hold a CA BAR in good standing, 1–4 years of substantive litigation, and strong research, drafting, and trial-prep skills.

Qualifications

• JD/LLM from 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.

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.

Skills

Legal research

Pleadings drafting

Motions drafting

Trial preparation

Education

JD/LLM from ABA-accredited law school

Active California Bar Admission

Job description

ASSOCIATE - Trial & DefenseTRIAL & DEFENSE PRACTICE

Location: California - Los, Angeles, San Francisco, Irvine

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-performing yet collegial practice, this role provides exceptional training, professional development, and long-term advancement potential.

Compensation & Benefits

• 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

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.