Attorney

Mission Recruiting, LLC; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Recruiting, LLC is conducting a confidential search for a Litigation Associate Attorney in Pasadena, CA, with 3–7 years of civil litigation experience. The role offers meaningful courtroom exposure, hands-on responsibility, and long-term professional development within a collaborative team.

The attorney will manage active matters, draft pleadings, take depositions, and participate in trial preparation.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of civil litigation experience required.
• California Bar admission in good standing required.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Experience with pleadings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and court appearances.
• Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload and meet deadlines.
• Interest in professional development and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery.
• Conduct legal research and prepare persuasive written advocacy.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Attend hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances.
• Negotiate settlements on behalf of clients.
• Participate in trial preparation and litigation strategy.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and the court.

Skills

Litigation experience

Oral advocacy

Legal research

Drafting pleadings

Discovery management

Education

Active California Bar admission

Job description

Litigation Associate Attorney (3–7 Years)

Opportunity Summary

Mission Recruiting is conducting a confidential search for a Litigation Associate Attorney with 3–7 years of civil litigation experience to join a well-established California litigation defense practice in Pasadena, California. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney seeking meaningful courtroom experience, hands-on litigation responsibility, and long-term professional development within a collaborative team environment.

Compensation

Salary Range: $135,000–$200,000, commensurate with experience

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking motivated litigation associates who are ready to move beyond a supporting role and gain meaningful responsibility early in their careers.

This is not a document review position. Attorneys are entrusted with managing active litigation matters, appearing in court, taking and defending depositions, drafting and arguing motions, negotiating settlements, and participating in trial preparation. The firm's collaborative culture and commitment to mentorship provide an exceptional environment for attorneys looking to sharpen their litigation skills and develop into accomplished trial lawyers.

The practice is experiencing significant growth driven by complex wildfire litigation, creating an excellent opportunity for attorneys who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced litigation environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from inception through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery
• Conduct legal research and prepare persuasive written advocacy
• Take and defend depositions
• Attend hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances
• Negotiate settlements on behalf of clients
• Participate in trial preparation and litigation strategy
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and the court
• Collaborate with experienced litigators on complex defense matters

Recommended Qualifications

• Active California Bar admission in good standing
• Approximately 3–7 years of civil litigation experience
• Personal injury defense experience preferred
• Experience with pleadings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and court appearances
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload while meeting deadlines
• Interest in professional development, mentorship, and expanding courtroom experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience negotiating settlements and participating in mediations
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented litigation practice

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Meaningful courtroom exposure from the outset
• Opportunity to work on sophisticated wildfire litigation
• Strong mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Collaborative culture with direct access to firm leadership
• Growing litigation practice with a steady pipeline of complex matters