Attorney | Litigation | Hybrid | 149015

Gilder Search Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision benefits start

Hybrid schedule after six-month review

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in Irvine seeks an Associate Attorney for its established litigation practice. This hands‑on role carries meaningful responsibility across active matters, with in‑office work the norm and a possible hybrid day per week after a six‑month probation.

The ideal candidate has 6–10 years of litigation experience (3–4 considered), a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, and active California Bar admission. Strong research, writing, deposition and trial skills are highly valued.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of litigation experience preferred.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active California Bar admission and good standing.
• Strong research, writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Trial experience preferred; second-chair trial experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Conducting meet-and-confers.
• Developing case strategy.
• Preparing matters for trial.
• Participating in trial work.
• Collaborating with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, clients, and co-counsel.

Skills

Litigation

Deposition

Trial Experience

Legal Research

Written Discovery

Case Management

Communication Skills

Education

Juris Doctor

California Bar Admission

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 beginning 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 litigation
• Consumer warranty and lemon-law litigation
• Products liability
• Personal injury defense
• Employment litigation
• 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
• Conducting meet-and-confers
• Developing case strategy
• Preparing matters for trial
• Participating in trial work
• Collaborating with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, clients, and co-counsel

Compensation & Benefits

• 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.

Salary Range:

$170,000-$250,000

Reference:

149015

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