Public Entity Defense Associate Attorney

Jobot; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Retirement plans

Bonus programs

Student loan assistance

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive work environment

Mentoring with senior attorneys

Attorney-to-secretary ratio 3-to-1

Parking or transit pass

Job summary

Jobot is hiring an Associate Attorney to defend public entities in civil litigation and insurance matters in California. The role focuses on police liability, employment defense, and general tort claims, working with senior attorneys in a collaborative environment.

You will research complex issues, draft pleadings, and participate in all phases of litigation from discovery to trial, with opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.

Qualifications

• JD from ABA-accredited law school.
• Active California state bar membership in good standing.
• 3–7 years of litigation experience, preferably in public entity defense or government tort/civil rights.
• Proficient in legal research and writing with ability to analyze complex issues.
• Strong analytical, organizational and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to handle multiple cases and deadlines independently and in a team.
• Proven track record of favorable results in motion practice, settlement or trial.
• Eligible for travel for depositions, hearings and client meetings.

Responsibilities

• Defend public entities in police liability and excessive force matters.
• Defend in employment, labor and civil rights cases arising for public entities.
• Handle general tort and premises liability matters on government property.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions and briefs.
• Review public records, discovery and privileges; ensure Public Records Act compliance.
• Participate in all litigation phases: discovery, depositions, motion practice, trial prep and appeals.
• Attend court appearances, settlement conferences, mediations and hearings.
• Prepare exhibits, witness materials and trial binders.
• Collaborate with public entity clients, risk managers, opposing counsel and court personnel.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal research and writing

Oral advocacy

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Urgently hiring Public Entity Defense Associate Attorney

Salary: $130,000 - $175,000 per year

A bit about us

My client, formed in the early 1970’s, has earned a long-standing reputation of excellence and prominence with clients and the legal community alike. The firm’s core practice is in civil litigation and insurance coverage. We represent public entities, insurance companies and their insureds, private corporations and individuals on a national, regional and local level.

My client's office representation includes the defense of high exposure personal injury actions, traumatic brain injuries, exposures to environmental contaminants, habitability claims, state and federal class actions and the investigation and defense of 1st party insurance fraud claims. Tired of your “Megalaw firm” where you are just a number, not getting the mentoring, credit and responsibility you deserve? We can fix that!

Why join us

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Retirement plans.
• Bonus programs.
• Student loan assistance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Mentoring with senior associates and partner-level attorneys.
• 3-to-1 attorney-to-secretary ratio.
• Paid office parking or Transit Pass.

Job Details

Handling a variety of matters involving public agencies and municipalities, such as:

• Police Liability and Excessive Force: Defending law enforcement personnel and agencies in claims arising from use of force, wrongful arrest, and other alleged misconduct.
• Employment and Labor Defense: Defending public entities in cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
• General Tort and Premises Liability: Managing claims involving injuries occurring on government-owned or maintained property.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs on complex legal issues affecting public entities.
• Review and analyze public records, discovery responses, and documents for relevance, privilege, and compliance with the Public Records Act.
• Participate in all phases of litigation including discovery, depositions, motion practice, trial preparation and appeals.
• Attend court appearances, settlement conferences, mediations, and hearings.
• Prepare and organize exhibits, witness materials, and trial binders.
• Collaborate and coordinate with public entity clients, risk managers, opposing counsel, and court personnel.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Active California state bar membership in good standing is required.
• 3-7 years of litigation experience, with a focus on public entity defense, government tort liability, or civil rights defense preferred.
• Proficiency in legal research and writing, with demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal and factual issues.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to handle multiple cases and deadlines efficiently, independently, and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proven track record of achieving favorable results for clients in motion practice, settlement, or trial.
• Availability for occasional travel as required for depositions, hearings, and client meetings.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.