Senior Attorney

The Los Angeles County Bar Association - LACBA; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Employer Match

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Flexible Schedule

Generous PTO

Mentorship and Growth

Statewide California offices

Job summary

The Los Angeles County Bar Association - LACBA in Glendale, CA is seeking a Senior Associate Attorney with deep medical malpractice defense experience to manage complex matters from pre-suit to trial and appeal. You will represent physicians, hospitals, and healthcare professionals, arguing motions and guiding case strategy with trial readiness.

Candidates must hold a J.D., be admitted to the California Bar, and bring 10+ years in civil defense with 5+ years in medical malpractice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active CA Bar license required.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience, preferably civil defense.
• Minimum 5 years of litigation experience with medical malpractice defense preferred.
• Proven first or second chair trial experience and witness preparation skills.
• Ability to manage independent caseload while collaborating with a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage a full caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from pre-suit through trial and appeal.
• Represent physicians, hospitals, and healthcare professionals in depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Serve as first or second chair trial counsel with trial theme development and closing arguments.
• Lead trial preparation and coordinate with clients and insurance carriers.
• Draft and respond to discovery, pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Mentor junior associates in deposition strategy, motion practice, and courtroom skills.

Skills

First/second chair trial experience

Expert witness handling

Deposition and discovery expertise

Strategic case management

Calm under pressure

Collaboration with insurance carriers

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Active California State Bar license

Job description

Senior Associate Attorney, Medical Malpractice Defense, Glendale, CA

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Karyn Spies

Salary: $165,000 - $250,000 per year

A bit about us:

Founded over 60 years ago and based in Los Angeles, with offices throughout California, we are one of the state's largest and most recognized civil defense firms. Since 1965, we've built our reputation on defending physicians, hospitals, and healthcare organizations in complex, high-stakes litigation across medical malpractice, elder abuse, general liability, employment law, and products liability. We're not a generalist shop. We go deep in defense, and we've spent six decades getting very good at it. Associates here get real courtroom experience, meaningful caseloads, and the mentorship to grow into serious trial lawyers. If you want to actually try cases and build a career in defense litigation, this is the kind of firm where that happens.

Why join us?

• Competitive Compensation: $165,000 to $250,000 base salary (DOE) + Associate Bonus Program with unlimited earning potential
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Schedule and Flexible Spending Account
• Generous PTO
• Real Trial Experience: First and second chair opportunities on complex medical malpractice matters
• Mentorship and Growth: Work alongside experienced partners with a genuine investment in associate development
• Statewide Footprint: Multiple California offices with a well-established client base including insurance carriers, hospitals, and physician groups

Job Details

• Manage a full caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from pre-suit investigation through trial and appeal
• Represent physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals in depositions, hearings, trials, and all related legal proceedings
• Serve as first or second chair trial counsel, including developing trial themes, opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments
• Lead trial preparation, including case strategy development and coordination with clients and insurance carriers
• Conduct and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and expert witnesses
• Argue contested motions, evidentiary hearings, and case management conferences
• Direct settlement negotiations and mediations, leveraging trial readiness for optimal outcomes
• Provide strategic guidance and candid liability assessments to clients throughout the litigation process
• Retain, prepare, and examine medical expert witnesses
• Draft and respond to discovery requests, pleadings, motions, and briefs
• Develop and maintain relationships with insurance carriers, hospital clients, and physician groups
• Mentor junior associates in deposition strategy, motion practice, and courtroom skills
• Collaborate with partners, paralegals, and legal staff to ensure strong outcomes and a healthy team culture

Needed:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California State Bar license in good standing (required)
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense
• Minimum 5 years of litigation experience, with a strong preference for medical malpractice defense
• Proven first or second chair trial experience
• Experience with expert witness retention, preparation, and examination
• Strong background in depositions, motion practice, and discovery in complex civil matters
• Proven ability to manage an independent caseload while collaborating within a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with institutional clients including carriers and healthcare providers

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