Lead Personal Injury Litigator — Independent, Trial-Ready

The Keystone Distinction Group; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Keystone Distinction Group in Los Angeles seeks an experienced Senior Litigation Attorney to lead plaintiff-side Personal Injury matters. This role combines independent case management with access to seasoned trial counsel and dedicated support staff.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in CA PI civil litigation, strong research and writing skills, and a proven track record in negotiations and depositions. The opportunity emphasizes trial readiness and growth within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active California Bar membership in good standing.
• Approximately 7+ years of personal injury law firm experience.
• Substantial hands-on civil litigation experience.
• Strong knowledge of California litigation procedures, discovery and applicable deadlines.
• Experience evaluating liability, damages and case value.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate meaningful settlements.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Ability to independently develop cases and prepare matters for trial.
• Familiarity with medical records, medical treatment and expert witnesses commonly involved in personal injury litigation.
• Understanding of insurance, liens and issues that can affect personal injury recoveries.
• Strong legal research, writing, advocacy and client-communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple active litigation matters while maintaining appropriate attention to case strategy and deadlines.
• Experience supervising or working closely with paralegals and litigation support staff.
• Familiarity with workers' compensation crossover issues is helpful.
• Spanish fluency is highly desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy and manage cases from filing through resolution or trial.
• Evaluate new and existing matters for liability, damages, settlement potential and litigation strategy.
• Draft complaints, pleadings, motions, briefs and other substantive legal documents.
• Propound and respond to written discovery and resolve discovery disputes.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for depositions, hearings and trial.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Identify, retain and prepare medical and other expert witnesses.
• Conduct legal research and develop arguments involving complex liability and damages issues.
• Represent clients at mediations, hearings, conferences and other court proceedings.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution.
• Prepare cases for trial, including motions in limine, witness examinations, exhibits and other trial materials.
• Work closely with clients regarding treatment, case development, expectations and litigation strategy.
• Oversee and collaborate with assigned paralegal, legal support and case-management professionals.
• Review medical records, treatment recommendations and other evidence relevant to damages.
• Evaluate liens, insurance issues and other considerations affecting case resolution.
• Assist other attorneys with hearings, appearances and trials when appropriate.

Skills

Civil litigation

Deposition experience

Negotiation

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Client communication

Case management

Trial preparation

Spanish fluency

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

California Bar admission

Job description

The Keystone Distinction Group in Los Angeles seeks an experienced Senior Litigation Attorney to lead plaintiff-side Personal Injury matters. This role combines independent case management with access to seasoned trial counsel and dedicated support staff.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in CA PI civil litigation, strong research and writing skills, and a proven track record in negotiations and depositions. The opportunity emphasizes trial readiness and growth within a collaborative team.