Litigation Associate

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper, LLP; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Billing bonuses

Annual compensation reviews

Health insurance

401(k)

Disability insurance

Paid maternity leave

Hybrid work environment

Unlimited paid time off

Mentorship by trial attorneys

Path to partnership

Job summary

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper LLP is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join our defense practice in California. The ideal candidate will handle complex matters, interact directly with clients, and advance toward partnership through hands-on courtroom work.

We defend healthcare systems, hospitals, public entities, and other institutional clients in medical malpractice, general liability, and related areas. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of civil litigation experience.
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage cases while collaborating in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written advocacy.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Attend court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences.
• Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and senior attorneys.
• Communicate effectively with clients, carriers, experts, and opposing counsel.
• Evaluate liability, damages, and litigation risk.
• Maintain accurate billing and case management records.
• Mentor junior attorneys and support staff as appropriate.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Legal writing

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Case management

Billing records

Education

California Bar admission

Job description

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper LLP

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper (KMS) is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join our growing defense practice. We are looking for attorneys who want meaningful litigation experience, direct client interaction, courtroom exposure, and a clear path toward long-term career growth.

Our attorneys defend healthcare systems, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, public entities, and other institutional clients in complex, high-exposure matters. This includes medical malpractice, general liability, professional liability, and public entity defense.

At KMS, attorneys are trusted with significant responsibility and have the opportunity to develop their litigation skills through hands‑on experience. High‑performing attorneys are given opportunities to advance, develop client relationships, and build toward partnership.

Responsibilities

• Manage a litigation caseload from inception through resolution


• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents


• Conduct legal research and prepare written advocacy


• Take and defend depositions


• Attend court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences


• Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and senior attorneys


• Communicate effectively with clients, carriers, experts, and opposing counsel


• Evaluate liability, damages, and litigation risk


• Maintain accurate billing and case management records


• Mentor junior attorneys and support staff as appropriate

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar


• Minimum of 3 years of civil litigation experience


• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills


• Ability to independently manage cases while working collaboratively within a team environment


• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Experience in any of the following areas is highly preferred:

• Medical Malpractice Defense


• Dental Malpractice Defense


• General Liability


• Public Entity Defense


• Professional Liability


• Insurance Defense Litigation

Attorneys with 6 or more years of relevant litigation experience may be considered for Senior Associate opportunities.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience


• Performance and billing bonuses


• Annual compensation reviews


• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• 401(k)


• Disability insurance


• Paid maternity leave


• Flexible work environment with hybrid work opportunities


• Unlimited paid time off


• Direct mentorship from experienced trial attorneys


• Clear opportunity for advancement and partnership consideration

About KMS

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper is a California civil litigation firm with a longstanding reputation for excellence in insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, and public entity representation. We are committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients while providing our attorneys with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to build successful long-term careers.

Benefits

• 401(k)


• Dental insurance


• Flexible schedule


• Flexible spending account


• Health insurance


• Health savings account


• Life insurance


• Paid time off


• Professional development assistance


• Referral program


• Vision insurance

Any offer of employment with Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper, LLP is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The background check may include verification of employment history, education, credentials, professional licenses, and other job‑related information. Applicants will be provided all required notices and authorizations prior to any background screening. Failure to meet the firm’s employment requirements may result in withdrawal of the employment offer.