Public Entity Attorney

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper, LLP; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Flexible hours

Remote work options

Annual reviews

Job summary

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper (KMS) seeks an experienced litigation attorney to join its Public Entity Defense practice in California, handling complex matters for cities, counties, school districts, and other public entities with direct client interaction and courtroom exposure.

The role offers meaningful responsibility, opportunities to advance, and a clear path toward partnership, with a flexible schedule that includes some remote work while most days in the office.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• Minimum of 3 years of civil litigation experience.
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage cases while working collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a public entity litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written advocacy.
• Take and defend depositions, including fact and expert witnesses.
• Attend court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences.
• Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and senior attorneys.
• Communicate effectively with public entity clients, risk managers, carriers, experts, and opposing counsel.
• Evaluate liability, damages, and litigation risk.
• Analyze and apply immunities, statutory defenses, and governmental liability principles.
• Maintain accurate billing and case management records.
• Mentor junior attorneys and support staff as appropriate.

Skills

Civil litigation

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Research

Client interaction

Job description

Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper (KMS) is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join our growing Public Entity Defense practice. We are looking for attorneys who want meaningful litigation experience, direct client interaction, courtroom exposure, and a clear path toward long-term career growth.

Our attorneys represent cities, counties, school districts, special districts, law enforcement agencies, and other public entities throughout California in complex, high-exposure litigation. This includes premises liability, dangerous condition of public property claims, civil rights actions, catastrophic injury matters, employment-related claims, and other governmental liability matters.

At KMS, attorneys are trusted with significant responsibility and have the opportunity to develop their litigation skills through hands-on experience. High-performing attorneys are given opportunities to advance, develop client relationships, and build toward partnership.

Responsibilities

• Manage a public entity litigation caseload from inception through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and other legal documents
• Conduct legal research and prepare written advocacy
• Take and defend depositions, including fact and expert witnesses
• Attend court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences
• Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and senior attorneys
• Communicate effectively with public entity clients, risk managers, carriers, experts, and opposing counsel
• Evaluate liability, damages, and litigation risk
• Analyze and apply immunities, statutory defenses, and governmental liability principles
• Maintain accurate billing and case management records
• Mentor junior attorneys and support staff as appropriate

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar
• Minimum of 3 years of civil litigation experience
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to independently manage cases while working collaboratively within a team environment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Experience in any of the following areas is highly preferred:

• Public Entity Defense
• Government Tort Liability
• Civil Rights Defense (42 U.S.C. § 1983)
• Law Enforcement Defense
• Premises Liability
• General Liability
• Employment Litigation Defense
• Insurance Defense Litigation

Attorneys with 6 or more years of relevant litigation experience may be considered for Senior Associate opportunities.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package, performance and billing bonuses along with annual reviews. We offer flexible office hours with no cap on vacation days. Our attorneys have a flexible schedule that allows for some remote work, although most do come into the office.

Any offer of employment with Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper, LLP is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The background check may include verification of employment history, education, credentials, professional licenses, and other job-related information. Applicants will be provided all required notices and authorizations prior to any background screening. Failure to meet the firm's employment requirements may result in withdrawal of the employment offer.