Product Liability Litigation Associate

Lockridge Partners; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Direct client exposure

Meaningful ownership of matters

Job summary

Lockridge Partners in San Francisco seeks a mid-level associate to defend manufacturers, technology firms, and other businesses in high-exposure product liability and related litigation. You will manage significant portions of cases, from initial investigation through discovery and trial preparation, with meaningful ownership of matters.

The role requires a J.D. and California Bar admission, 3–7 years of experience, and strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.

Qualifications

• Strong research and writing abilities required.
• Analytical mindset with clear, persuasive advocacy.
• Experience with complex product liability or tort defense is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Defend manufacturers and businesses in complex product liability and related litigation.
• Manage substantial portions of cases from investigation to discovery and trial preparation.
• Take and defend depositions, work with experts, and craft substantive motions.
• Coordinate with clients, experts, and senior trial attorneys on strategy.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Oral advocacy

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Admission to the California Bar

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

A sophisticated San Francisco litigation practice is seeking a mid-level associate to defend manufacturers, technology companies, and other businesses in complex product liability and high-exposure litigation. The work involves technically demanding cases where attorneys must understand the product, develop expert strategy, take key depositions, and translate complicated facts into a persuasive defense. Associates receive meaningful ownership of matters rather than functioning solely as discovery support on large case teams. Compensation ranges from $200,000-$300,000, depending on experience.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Defend manufacturers and businesses in complex product liability, personal injury, and related commercial litigation
• Manage significant portions of cases from initial investigation and pleadings through discovery, dispositive motions, expert work, and trial preparation
• Take and defend fact, corporate representative, expert, and other key depositions
• Work closely with technical and medical experts to develop causation, liability, damages, and defense strategies
• Draft substantive motions and briefs and participate in hearings, mediations, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation
• Communicate directly with clients regarding case strategy, exposure, developments, and resolution

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the California Bar
• 3–7 years of product liability, complex tort, commercial litigation, or related defense experience
• Experience managing discovery, depositions, motion practice, and substantive portions of litigation matters
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
• Experience with expert-intensive, technically complex, or high-exposure cases is preferred
• Ability to independently manage matters while working effectively with clients, experts, and senior trial attorneys

WHAT WE OFFER

A strong next step for litigators who want to move beyond high-volume defense work and build experience on sophisticated, technically complex cases. The role combines $200,000-$300,000 in annual compensation with hybrid flexibility, meaningful case ownership, direct client exposure, substantial deposition and expert work, and the opportunity to develop alongside experienced trial lawyers on matters where the quality of the advocacy actually matters.