Defense Litigation Associate Attorney

gpac; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is seeking a Toxic Tort Defense Associate Attorney in California to join a nationally recognized firm. This role targets attorneys with 2–6 years of defense litigation experience who want to build a toxic tort practice. The firm is willing to train the right candidate.

Hybrid schedule with two days per week in the office, exposure to local and national matters, and opportunities to develop expertise in toxic tort and complex litigation.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and California bar in good standing.
• 2+ years of defense litigation experience with motion practice and depositions.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned caseloads on complex defense matters.
• Represent clients in California at local and national matters.
• Take and defend depositions of plaintiffs and experts.
• Prepare witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trial.
• Draft and respond to discovery and other pleadings.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written analysis.
• Assist with trial preparation and support through trial.
• Prepare and file court documents and serve opposing counsel.
• Maintain accurate billing records.
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff while handling matters independently.

Skills

Defense litigation

Deposition experience

Motion practice

Legal research

Legal writing

Time management

Organizational skills

Independent work

Multiple matters handling

Toxic tort interest

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

California Bar admission in good standing

Job description

Toxic Tort Defense Associate Attorney - California

Ready to take your defense litigation career in a new direction?

A nationally recognized litigation firm with an exceptional reputation for handling complex civil matters is looking to add a Toxic Tort Defense Associate Attorney to its California team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with 2-6 years of defense litigation experience who wants to build a practice in toxic tort litigation. Direct toxic tort experience is not required - the firm is willing to train the right attorney who has a strong foundation in litigation and a genuine interest in this practice area.

Position Highlights

• Hybrid schedule with 2 days per week in the office
• Work on sophisticated local and national matters
• Opportunity to develop expertise in toxic tort and complex litigation
• Join a highly respected firm recognized among the top law firms in the country
• Significant exposure to all stages of litigation

What You'll Do

• Manage an assigned caseload involving complex defense matters
• Represent clients on both local and national accounts throughout California
• Take and defend depositions, including plaintiff and expert witnesses
• Prepare witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trial
• Draft and respond to discovery, pleadings, motions, and other litigation documents
• Conduct legal research and prepare written analysis
• Assist with trial preparation and provide support through trial
• Prepare and file court documents and serve opposing counsel
• Maintain accurate and timely billing records
• Work collaboratively with attorneys and support staff while managing matters independently

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of defense litigation experience
• California Bar admission in good standing
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Strong experience with motion practice and depositions
• Experience taking plaintiff and/or expert depositions
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical abilities
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to independently manage assignments and deadlines
• Comfortable handling multiple matters in a fast-paced environment
• Toxic tort experience is a plus, but NOT required

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.