Litigation Associate

Partners Legal Search; Emeryville (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule with remote focus

Job summary

Partners Legal Search is seeking an Insurance Coverage & Defense Associate to join its litigation practice. The ideal candidate will handle coverage and defense matters, as well as litigation, arbitration, and related dispute-resolution proceedings.

The attorney will manage matters from inception through resolution, conduct legal research, develop case strategy, draft documents, and represent clients in court, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.

Qualifications

• Active admission to the California State Bar is required.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; strong academic credentials preferred.
• 3–6 years of relevant experience in litigation, arbitration, insurance coverage, and/or reinsurance.
• Demonstrated experience handling discovery, depositions, trial preparation, and court proceedings.
• Strong research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Handle insurance coverage and insurance defense matters on behalf of insurers and insureds.
• Manage litigation and arbitration matters from inception through resolution.
• Conduct sophisticated legal research and analysis.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, discovery, and other litigation documents.
• Develop and execute effective litigation and case strategies.
• Handle discovery, depositions, trial preparation, court appearances, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Provide practical, high-quality legal advice to clients.
• Manage multiple matters with attention to deadlines and strategy.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, clients, and other professionals as part of a team.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Education

JD (Law)

California Bar admission

Job description

A well-established law firm has built a strong reputation for providing sophisticated legal services to insurance and corporate clients. The firm represents insurance companies, reinsurers, and insureds in a broad range of matters, with particular strength in insurance, reinsurance, and commercial litigation.

The firm’s practice has expanded alongside its clients’ needs to include transactional, regulatory, and complex litigated matters. With offices across multiple major U.S. markets, the firm is committed to delivering efficient, responsive, and high-quality legal representation while fostering a collaborative and inclusive professional environment.

About the Role

The firm is seeking an experienced Insurance Coverage & Defense Associate to join its litigation practice. The ideal candidate will have experience handling insurance coverage and defense matters, as well as litigation, arbitration, and related dispute-resolution proceedings.

The attorney will have substantial responsibility for managing matters from inception through resolution, conducting legal research, developing case strategy, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in court, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Handle insurance coverage and insurance defense matters on behalf of insurers and insureds.
• Manage litigation and arbitration matters from inception through resolution.
• Conduct sophisticated legal research and analysis.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence, and other litigation-related documents.
• Develop and execute effective litigation and case strategies.
• Handle discovery, depositions, trial preparation, court appearances, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Provide practical, high-quality legal advice to clients.
• Manage multiple matters simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail, deadlines, and case strategy.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, clients, and other professionals as part of a sophisticated litigation team.

Qualifications

• Active admission to the California State Bar is required.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; strong academic credentials preferred.
• 3-6 years of relevant experience in litigation, arbitration, insurance coverage, insurance defense, and/or reinsurance.
• Demonstrated experience handling discovery, depositions, trial preparation, and court proceedings.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to effectively manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• This opportunity offers a highly flexible hybrid schedule that is almost entirely remote, with only occasional visits to the office required.
• This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking sophisticated insurance litigation experience within an established, nationally recognized legal practice. The position offers meaningful responsibility, direct involvement in complex matters, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys representing sophisticated insurance industry clients.