Litigation Associate Attorney (Insurance Defense / ERISA / ESOP)

Orion Placement; Napa (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Professional development support

Job summary

A national defense litigation firm in Napa, CA is looking for a skilled attorney to manage litigation claims and build strong client relationships. This full-time role offers a competitive salary range of $130,000 to $150,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package including dental, vision, and retirement plans. Candidates must possess an active California Bar license and have a minimum of 3 years of litigation experience, preferably in insurance defense. Exceptional writing skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Must have 3+ years litigation experience, preferably in insurance defense.
• Excellent writing and research skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigated claims from start to finish.
• Handle trial preparation and strategy development.
• Communicate directly with clients.
• Draft motions and settlement agreements.
• Collaborate with corporate stakeholders on ESOP matters.

Skills

Litigation experience

Strong writing

Research

Client-focused

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Active California Bar license

Job description

Pay

$130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Rare hybrid role: core litigation plus exposure to ESOP advisory and ERISA litigation defense
• Build long-term client relationships with room to grow and advance
• Strong comp range for Napa: $130,000–$150,000 plus comprehensive benefits
• Work alongside experienced litigators and corporate attorneys with recognized depth in this niche
• Excellent professional development support: training, CLE reimbursement, marketing budgets, bonuses

Location

• On‑site in Napa, CA

Note

• Must be actively licensed in California
• Must have 3+ years litigation experience (ideal range is 3+ through 5 years)
• Insurance defense and liability litigation experience is strongly preferred
• ESOP, ERISA, employee benefits, or corporate transactions exposure is a plus (not required)

About Our Client

• Our client is a national defense litigation firm known for high‑stakes disputes nationwide and a long‑tenured, professional team culture. This Napa‑based role is uniquely positioned to support both litigation matters and a specialized ESOP and employee benefits practice.

Job Description

• Manage litigated claims and drive case progress from start to finish
• Handle trial prep: strategy, discovery, records review, client and witness preparation
• Take and defend depositions and manage key witness development
• Draft and argue motions and attend hearings
• Communicate directly with clients and support relationship building
• Draft settlement agreements and other contracts as needed
• Support non‑litigation corporate work including ESOP formation, related transactions, and executive compensation matters
• Collaborate across litigation and corporate stakeholders while maintaining high quality and responsiveness

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license in good standing
• 3+ years litigation experience (insurance defense, premises liability, products liability, property damage preferred)
• Strong writing, research, and practical judgment
• Client‑focused, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Unique mix of litigation and business‑facing work that expands your long‑term career options
• Strong stability, mentorship, and professional standards
• Bonuses and merit‑based advancement opportunities
• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life, disability, parental leave, 401(k), and profit sharing

Job Reference

JPC-537

Job Type: Full‑time

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance