Litigation Associate

Ascendion; California; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance (employer-paid)

Vision insurance (employer-paid)

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

15 paid days off annually

Quarterly billable-hour bonus

Job summary

Ascendion in Southern California seeks an Associate Attorney focused on Civil Litigation and Insurance Defense. The role offers hybrid Irvine or on-site San Diego work arrangements, with a 3+ year background in civil litigation and California bar admission.

You will handle matters through pleadings, depositions, motions, and trial prep, collaborating with senior attorneys and engaging directly with clients and experts. This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar membership in good standing.
• At least 3 years of civil litigation experience.
• Excellent organization, time management and client communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload while collaborating with senior attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, discovery requests, motions, oppositions, and other legal documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions involving parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Review medical records, analyze evidence, and develop case strategies.
• Attend court hearings and participate in motion practice.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, insurance carriers, and expert witnesses.
• Prepare case status reports and provide strategic recommendations.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and trial preparation.
• Manage multiple cases, deadlines, and billable-hour requirements effectively.

Skills

California Bar

Civil litigation

Trial preparation

Legal research & writing

Client communication

Time management

Job description

Associate Attorney – Civil Litigation/ Insurance Defense

Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid) or San Diego, CA (On-site 3 days per week)

Job Type: Full-Time

Experience: 3+ Years

About the Opportunity:

I'm partnering with an established Southern California civil litigation practices to identify an Associate Attorney who is eager to build meaningful litigation experience and develop into a skilled trial lawyer.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney who wants to take ownership of cases, work directly on substantive litigation matters, and learn from experienced litigators. Rather than being limited to research and drafting, you'll have the opportunity to contribute throughout the litigation lifecycle, from initial pleadings through trial preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, discovery requests, motions, oppositions, and other legal documents.
• Conduct and defend depositions involving parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Review medical records, analyze evidence, and develop case strategies.
• Attend court hearings and participate in motion practice.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, insurance carriers, and expert witnesses.
• Prepare case status reports and provide strategic recommendations.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and trial preparation.
• Manage multiple cases, deadlines, and billable-hour requirements effectively.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar membership in good standing.
• At least 3 years of civil litigation experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience with discovery, depositions, motions, and court appearances.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload while collaborating with senior attorneys.
• Excellent organization, time management, and client communication skills.
• A proactive approach and a genuine interest in developing trial skills.

Insurance defense experience is preferred but not required. Attorneys with transferable civil litigation experience who are motivated to grow as trial lawyers are encouraged to apply.

Work Arrangement

Candidates may be considered for either of the following locations:

• Irvine, CA: Hybrid arrangement.
• Orange County: Remote (For other similar opportunities)

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between [$140,000 – $220,000]. Factors which may affect pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance (100% employer-paid)
• Vision insurance (100% employer-paid)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• 15 paid days off annually through PTO accrual
• Quarterly billable-hour bonus opportunities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Build real trial experience: Gain exposure to substantive litigation work, depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Learn from experienced litigators: Develop your skills through mentorship and hands-on involvement in cases.
• A choice of locations: Explore an Irvine hybrid or San Diego work arrangement.
• A structured benefits package: Access retirement matching, employer-paid dental and vision coverage, and PTO.