Litigation Associate: High-Exposure Defense (Hybrid)

hpylaw; Santa Ana (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary $130k-$180k base

Hybrid/onsite work model

Health insurance

Wellbeing program

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Mentorship

Job summary

Hawkins Parnell & Young in Santa Ana, CA seek an Associate Attorney - Litigation to defend high-stakes, complex matters across state and federal court. You will take and defend depositions, craft motions, and help shape case strategy with senior partners in a high-exposure environment.

The role requires a California bar license and 0–6 years of litigation experience, with strong writing, research, and client-focused collaboration.

Qualifications

• For this associate role, California bar license is required and 0–6 years of litigation experience.
• Candidates should be client-focused, collaborative, and able to think critically and act independently.
• Strong writing, research, and analytical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Take and defend depositions.
• Prepare and argue motions in state and federal court.
• Develop case strategy with partners, including discovery planning and witness preparation.
• Work with nationally recognized trial lawyers to prepare cases for trial.
• Handle research and briefing in complex litigation.

Skills

Litigation experience

Writing skills

Research skills

Brevity in communication

Client-focused

Collaborative

Independent work

Education

California bar license

Job description

Hawkins Parnell & Young in Santa Ana, CA seek an Associate Attorney - Litigation to defend high-stakes, complex matters across state and federal court. You will take and defend depositions, craft motions, and help shape case strategy with senior partners in a high-exposure environment.

The role requires a California bar license and 0–6 years of litigation experience, with strong writing, research, and client-focused collaboration.