Litigation Associate

Career Legal; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid or remote work

Mentorship program

Direct interview with partner

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Career Legal is seeking 1–2 Litigation Associates or Senior Associates (3–15 years of civil litigation experience) to join a growing defense practice in Orange County / Los Angeles, CA. The role offers hybrid or 100% remote work and involves leading substantial defense matters with autonomy and direct client contact.

The successful candidate will work closely with a lead partner, handling depositions, dispositive motions, and trial preparations, with opportunities for professional growth and a

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active state bar membership in good standing.
• 3 to 15 years of civil litigation experience, with insurance defense experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience independently taking and defending depositions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee civil defense litigation matters from inception through settlement, mediation, or trial.
• Independently conduct and defend depositions of fact witnesses, expert witnesses, corporate representatives, and plaintiffs.
• Prepare dispositive motions, legal briefs, summary judgment filings, and pleadings.
• Handle court appearances, oral arguments, and settlement conferences.
• Serve as second-chair (or lead chair, depending on seniority) in arbitrations and trial proceedings.

Skills

Legal research

Deposition handling

Trial preparation

Oral advocacy

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Practice Group: Insurance Defense & Commercial Litigation

Location: Orange County / Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid or 100% Remote)

Location / Working Model: Hybrid or 100% Remote

Compensation: $165,000 – $225,000 (Commensurate with experience & class year)

We have been retained by a top-tier national AmLaw 100 law firm to identify 1–2 Litigation Associates or Senior Associates (3–15 years of experience) to join an expanding litigation practice group. This is a brand-new position created due to sustained caseload growth and client demand. The successful candidate will work directly alongside a lead partner, managing substantial defense matters with full autonomy, direct client interaction, and immediate opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee civil defense litigation matters from inception through settlement, mediation, or tria
• l.Independently conduct and defend depositions of fact witnesses, expert witnesses, corporate representatives, and plaintiff
• s.Prepare dispositive motions, legal briefs, summary judgment filings, and pleading
• s.Handle court appearances, oral arguments, and settlement conference
• s.Serve as second-chair (or lead chair, depending on seniority) in arbitrations and trial proceedings.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active state bar membership in good standing.
• 3 to 15 years of civil litigation experience, with insurance defense experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience independently taking and defending depositions.
• Second-chair trial or arbitration experience is fully acceptable (first-chair experience is a plus).
• Candidates seeking to lateral from boutique, regional, or smaller firms are encouraged to apply.

Key Highlights & Career Benefits

• Flexible remote working policy (fully remote or hybrid, based on candidate preference).
• Active mentorship with a defined, supported path toward developing and originating your own client base over time.
• Direct, single-round interview process with the hiring partner (no multi-tiered interview loops or bureaucractized hiring delays).
• Opportunity to handle depositions independently and play a key role in trials and arbitrations.