Law & Motion Associate Attorney

Marina Sirras & Associates LLC; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Opportunities for mentorship and professional growth

Job summary

A mid-sized civil litigation defense firm is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Law & Motion and Appeals Team. This role involves drafting motions and handling appellate cases while conducting legal research. Candidates should have a JD and be barred in California with at least 2 years of litigation experience. The salary range is $130,000 – $165,000 with additional bonuses.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar, in good standing.
• Minimum of 2 years of litigation experience.
• Exceptional legal research and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft pretrial and trial motions, oppositions, and related documents.
• Assist with preparing trial filings and post-trial motions.
• Handle appellate cases, including drafting briefs.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Description

Our client, a national, mid-sized civil litigation defense firm, is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Law & Motion and Appeals Team. This team is the backbone of the firm, providing essential written advocacy that supports litigators across all practice areas.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who thrives on high-level research and writing, enjoys collaborative teamwork, and is eager to develop strong motion and appellate advocacy skills. Associates gain hands-on experience and contribute directly to the success of each case, while also learning from the firm’s seasoned appellate practitioners.

Locations: Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, San Diego, or San Francisco. Remote options may be considered; however, candidates must be barred in California.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft pretrial and trial motions, oppositions, and related documents.
• Assist with preparing trial filings and post-trial motions.
• Handle appellate cases, including drafting briefs and, where appropriate, conducting appellate arguments.
• Conduct sophisticated legal research to support case strategy and trial preparation.
• Collaborate closely with partners, litigators, and appellate team members.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar, in good standing.
• Minimum of 2 years of litigation experience.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Law review, judicial clerkship, or externship experience preferred.
• Prior criminal defense experience is a plus, but not required.
• Salary range: $130,000 – $165,000, plus discretionary bonus.
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and hands-on appellate training.

All candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO Statement: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.