Civil Defense Attorney - High-Exposure Trials in San Diego

Orion Placement; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Job summary

A civil litigation defense firm is seeking an experienced attorney to defend clients in high-stakes personal injury and civil litigation matters. This full-time position in San Diego offers strong courtroom exposure while managing cases from inception to resolution. Candidates should have over 5 years of relevant defense experience and an active California Bar membership. The firm promotes a culture of professionalism and collaboration, with competitive benefits including dental and vision insurance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of civil litigation defense experience.
• Strong background in personal injury defense.
• Transportation and general liability defense experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Defend clients in civil litigation matters.
• Manage cases from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings and legal documents.
• Appear in court and handle proceedings.

Skills

Strong legal writing

Research skills

Case management

Trial experience

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Active California Bar membership

Job description

• Join a respected civil defense litigation team handling meaningful, high-exposure matters for sophisticated clients.
• Work on transportation, motor vehicle, premises liability, and general liability defense cases that keep your practice sharp and marketable.
• Step into a role with real responsibility, strong courtroom exposure, and the chance to deepen your trial skill set.
• Be part of a firm that values preparation, professionalism, teamwork, and high-quality client service.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, benefits, and a collegial environment that supports long-term growth.

Location: This is a full-time, in-person position based in San Diego, offering direct collaboration with the team and strong day-to-day engagement on active litigation matters.

Note: Candidates must have 5+ years of civil defense litigation experience in personal injury matters and an active California Bar license in good standing. Defense experience in transportation, motor vehicle accident, premises liability, or general liability matters is strongly preferred.

About Us We are a civil litigation defense firm focused on complex, high-stakes matters involving transportation, general liability, and personal injury defense. Our team is known for being strategic, hardworking, and highly prepared, while also maintaining a professional, respectful, and growth-oriented environment. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Defend clients in civil litigation matters involving personal injury, transportation, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, and general liability claims
• Manage cases from inception through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediations, and trial preparation
• Draft pleadings, discovery, dispositive motions, legal memoranda, and other litigation documents
• Appear in court and handle hearings, case management conferences, and other proceedings
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, experts, carriers, and internal team members
• Develop case strategy, evaluate exposure, and drive matters forward with strong advocacy and attention to detail
• Support trial preparation and, for the right candidate, bring prior trial experience to the team

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar membership in good standing
• 5+ years of civil litigation defense experience
• Strong background in personal injury defense
• Transportation, motor vehicle accident, premises liability, and/or general liability defense experience preferred
• Trial experience is a plus
• Strong legal writing, research, law and motion, and case management skills
• Able to manage deadlines and multiple active matters in a fast-paced environment

Why You Will Love Working Here

You will join a team that takes pride in doing excellent work, preparing thoroughly, and delivering strong results for clients. This is a place where attorneys can continue to grow, take ownership of their cases, and work alongside experienced litigators in a culture that values professionalism, collaboration, and quality of life.