Litigation Associate

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Firm-paid bar expenses

HSA and FSA options

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Year-end bonus

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) seeks an experienced litigation attorney to join our growing team. This role offers direct collaboration with FMG’s National Trial Advocacy Practice Section and On-Call Trial Team, handling sophisticated civil matters and high-stakes disputes.

This position emphasizes strategic case handling, trial readiness, and exceptional client service, with meaningful responsibility from inception through trial.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Experience in complex, high-exposure litigation is preferred.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to develop practical litigation strategies and communicate recommendations clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex civil litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Develop and execute litigation strategy with experienced trial attorneys.
• Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, discovery, and related documents.
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Prepare witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Manage written discovery, document production, and expert discovery.
• Draft and argue substantive and dispositive motions.
• Participate in mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials.
• Maintain direct communication with clients, carriers, and opposing counsel.
• Provide timely strategic case assessments and recommendations.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Drafting briefs and motions

Oral advocacy

Case management

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Active California Bar

Job description

Location: California | Multiple Office Locations Considered

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join our growing team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled litigator looking to handle sophisticated, high-exposure matters while working closely with the leader of FMG’s National Trial Advocacy Practice Section and On-Call Trial Team.

As part of FMG’s national litigation platform, the attorney in this role will work alongside accomplished trial lawyers on significant matters involving catastrophic injury, transportation, premises liability, and other complex civil litigation. Our attorneys regularly represent excess carriers, national clients, and major case units in challenging and consequential matters.

This position offers meaningful responsibility, direct client interaction, courtroom exposure, and hands‑on involvement in case strategy from inception through trial. Rather than emphasizing volume, our practice prioritizes strategic case handling, trial readiness, collaboration, and exceptional client service.

Why This Opportunity Is Different

• Direct access to trial leadership: Work closely with the leader of FMG’s National Trial Advocacy Practice Section and On-Call Trial Team.
• Sophisticated, high-exposure work: Handle significant litigation for excess carriers, national clients, and major case units.
• Hands‑on mentorship: Receive practical guidance from experienced trial attorneys on case strategy, client management, depositions, courtroom advocacy, and trial preparation.
• Meaningful responsibility: Play an active role in developing strategy and moving cases toward resolution or trial.
• Courtroom opportunities: Build advocacy skills through substantive involvement in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Collaborative national platform: Work with attorneys across practices and offices while building strong client relationships.
• Professional growth: Continue developing as a litigator within a team that values intellectual curiosity, practical problem‑solving, collaboration, and excellence in advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex civil litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Develop and execute litigation strategy in collaboration with experienced trial attorneys.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, briefs, motions, discovery, case evaluations, and other litigation documents.
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Prepare witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Manage written discovery, document production, and expert discovery.
• Draft and argue substantive and dispositive motions.
• Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, arbitrations, hearings, and trials.
• Communicate directly with clients, carriers, experts, and opposing counsel.
• Provide timely and strategic case assessments and recommendations to clients.
• Collaborate with attorneys and professional staff across offices and practice areas.
• Deliver responsive, practical, and exceptional client service throughout each engagement.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Experience in complex, high-exposure, catastrophic injury, transportation, premises liability, general liability, or related litigation is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with depositions, discovery, motion practice, and case management.
• Trial preparation experience is preferred.
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to develop practical litigation strategies and communicate recommendations clearly to clients.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Sound professional judgment, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to client service.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and professional staff.
• Intellectual curiosity, initiative, professionalism, and a team‑oriented approach.

What FMG Offers

• Sophisticated, challenging litigation matters.
• Direct access to experienced trial attorneys and firm leadership.
• Meaningful client‑facing work and courtroom experience.
• Hands‑on mentorship and professional development.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement.
• A collaborative environment where attorneys exchange ideas and strategy.
• The resources and reach of a national litigation platform.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Firm‑paid bar expenses.
• HSA and FSA options to help employees and dependents manage eligible expenses.
• 401(k) plan.
• Firm‑provided life insurance up to $150,000.
• Firm‑paid long‑term disability coverage.
• Year‑end bonus and referral incentive opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.

EEO Statement

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by maintaining a workplace free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status as provided by law. FMG complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This position is subject to our drug‑free workplace policy, which includes the ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screen. Employees may be subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing in accordance with Firm policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.