Litigation Associate — Trial & Defense (Hybrid, CA)

Keystone Distinction Group; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Flexible PTO

401(k)/retirement plans

Student loan repayment support

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in California is seeking a Litigation Associate to join a leading Trial & Defense Practice. The role defends complex product liability, environmental, asbestos, talc, and commercial disputes, collaborating with policyholders, brokers, and insurers in domestic and international spaces.

Ideal candidates hold a CA BAR in good standing, 1–4 years of substantive litigation, and strong research, drafting, and trial-prep skills.

Qualifications

• JD/LLM from ABA-accredited law school with an excellent academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing.
• 1-4 years of substantive litigation experience.
• Experience handling complex liability, commercial disputes, or insurance claims.
• Exposure to product liability defense preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Comfortable participating in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation.
• Superior legal writing, analytical, and research skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare detailed analyses.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related filings.
• Participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Interview clients, eyewitnesses, and other relevant parties.
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive reporting to clients regarding case status and strategy.
• Engage in significant direct communication with clients and insurers.
• Assist in all phases of case development, litigation strategy, and trial preparation.
• Collaborate with partners and team members to advance case objectives with efficiency and precision.

Skills

Legal research

Pleadings drafting

Motions drafting

Trial preparation

Education

JD/LLM from ABA-accredited law school

Active California Bar Admission

Job description

Keystone Distinction Group in California is seeking a Litigation Associate to join a leading Trial & Defense Practice. The role defends complex product liability, environmental, asbestos, talc, and commercial disputes, collaborating with policyholders, brokers, and insurers in domestic and international spaces.

Ideal candidates hold a CA BAR in good standing, 1–4 years of substantive litigation, and strong research, drafting, and trial-prep skills.