Attorney

Mission Recruiting, LLC; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits on

100% covered PPO

Hybrid work after probation

Job summary

An established litigation practice in Irvine is seeking two Associate Attorneys for a hands-on role with meaningful responsibility across active matters. The position is primarily in-office, with a possible hybrid day per week after a six‑month probation. Candidates should have 6–10 years of litigation experience, a J.D.

from an accredited law school, and active California Bar admission. Trial experience is preferred; second-chair trial experience is acceptable.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active California Bar admission in good standing.
• Strong research, writing, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Trial experience preferred; second-chair acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation calendars and CMCs across active matters.
• Conduct legal research and factual investigations.
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda and other documents.
• Draft and respond to written discovery; manage document production.
• Take and defend depositions and prepare witnesses.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, clients and co-counsel.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Trial experience

Deposition experience

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

Tools

Westlaw CoCounsel

Clio

Relativity

Everlaw

Microsoft Office

Job description

An established litigation practice is seeking an Associate Attorney for its Irvine office. The immediate need is for two litigation associates, with the possibility of an additional hire based on workload.

The preferred candidate has 6-10 years of litigation experience, although attorneys with around 3-4 years may be considered depending on their overall qualifications.

This is a hands-on litigation role with meaningful responsibility throughout active matters. The position is primarily in-office, with one hybrid day per week potentially available following a six-month probationary period.

Practice Experience

• The strongest transferable backgrounds include:
• Consumer warranty and lemon-law litigation
• Products liability
• Personal injury defense
• Direct lemon-law experience is helpful but not required. Trial experience is strongly preferred, although second-chair trial experience is acceptable. Experience taking and defending depositions and handling expert discovery is also a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• The attorney will work through multiple stages of active litigation, including:
• Managing litigation calendars and CMCs
• Conducting legal research and factual investigation
• Drafting pleadings, motions, memoranda, and other litigation documents
• Drafting and responding to written discovery
• Managing document review and production
• Taking and defending depositions
• Preparing witnesses for depositions
• Handling expert witnesses and expert discovery
• Preparing matters for trial
• Participating in trial work
• Collaborating with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, clients, and co-counsel
• The compensation range is $170,000-$250,000, depending on experience. A bonus opportunity begins after the attorney exceeds the 1,800-hour annual billable requirement, and a discretionary year-end bonus is also available.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits begin on the first day of employment and are 100% covered through the selected PPO.

Candidate Requirements

• 6-10 years of litigation experience preferred
• Approximately 3-4 years may be considered depending on qualifications
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar admission and good standing
• Strong research, writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines
• Trial experience preferred
• Second-chair trial experience acceptable
• Deposition experience preferred
• Expert discovery experience preferred
• Candidates from all accredited law schools eligible
• Candidates with a book of business may be considered

Team & Technology

• The Irvine office currently includes four partners, approximately eight associates, and 11 paralegals providing substantial litigation support. The environment is described as collaborative and low-drama, with regular Friday lunches and social activities.
• The team utilizes Westlaw CoCounsel, Clio, Microsoft tools, Relativity, and Everlaw.

Interview Process

• The process generally consists of two interviews, preferably in person. Zoom is available when necessary.