Civil Litigation Attorney

Orionplacement; Citrus Heights (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Orionplacement is seeking an experienced trial attorney to lead complex civil defense matters for public agencies in California. You will independently manage cases from inception through appeal, serving as first-chair trial counsel on high-exposure matters with autonomy and collaboration with seasoned trial attorneys.

Requirements include active California Bar license, 8+ years of civil litigation defense, and documented first-chair trial experience (6 jury trials, 3 bench trials).

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license.
• 8+ years of civil litigation defense experience.
• First-chair trial experience in California State Superior Court (6 jury trials, 3 bench trials).
• Strong knowledge of California Evidence Code and civil procedure.
• Experience handling complex tort, personal injury, public entity, or government litigation.
• Excellent legal writing and client communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex civil litigation matters from inception through appeal.
• Serve as first-chair trial counsel on high-exposure civil defense cases.
• Develop litigation strategy and evaluate legal risks.
• Conduct depositions, discovery, and witness preparation.
• Prepare and argue motions, including Motions in Limine.
• Lead jury selection and courtroom advocacy.
• Retain and prepare expert witnesses.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and appellate filings.
• Regularly communicate case strategy and updates with clients.
• Represent clients during hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Conduct legal research and analyze evolving California law.
• Mentor and collaborate with attorneys and legal staff as needed.

Skills

First-chair trial experience

Trial advocacy

Legal research

Client communication

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Pay

$200,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join a highly respected California litigation team handling sophisticated, high-exposure civil defense matters.
• Lead your own caseload with significant autonomy while collaborating with experienced trial attorneys.
• Try meaningful cases that directly impact public agencies and communities throughout California.
• Enjoy long-term career growth with a stable, established employer known for complex litigation work.
• Flexible remote work after initial onboarding, with in-person collaboration as needed.
• Annual billable hours bonus program in addition to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Work alongside attorneys with extensive courtroom experience on challenging, high-profile matters.

Location

Citrus Heights, CA. Hybrid opportunity with the first two weeks of training completed in the Fullerton office. After onboarding, work remotely while remaining local for court appearances, client meetings, and other in-person obligations.

Note

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in California and have 8+ years of civil litigation defense experience, including substantial first-chair trial experience in California State Superior Court.

About Us

We are an established California law firm dedicated exclusively to serving public agencies with exceptional legal counsel and trial representation. Our team handles sophisticated litigation, works collaboratively, values professional excellence, and is committed to delivering outstanding client service. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Independently manage complex civil litigation matters from inception through appeal.
• Serve as first-chair trial counsel on high-exposure civil defense cases.
• Develop litigation strategy and evaluate legal risks.
• Conduct depositions, discovery, and witness preparation.
• Prepare and argue motions, including Motions in Limine.
• Lead jury selection and courtroom advocacy.
• Retain and prepare expert witnesses.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and appellate filings.
• Regularly communicate case strategy and updates with clients.
• Represent clients during hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Conduct legal research and analyze evolving California law.
• Mentor and collaborate with attorneys and legal staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license.
• 8+ years of civil litigation defense or insurance defense experience.
• First-chair experience in at least 6 jury trials and 3 bench trials to verdict in California State Superior Court.
• Strong knowledge of California Evidence Code and California civil procedure.
• Experience handling complex tort, personal injury, public entity, or government litigation.
• Excellent legal writing, courtroom advocacy, negotiation, and client communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage a sophisticated litigation caseload.

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced trial attorney seeking challenging work, professional autonomy, and a collaborative culture. You'll handle meaningful litigation, enjoy flexibility after onboarding, earn performance-based bonuses, receive excellent benefits, and build a long-term career with a respected litigation team serving public agencies throughout California.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance