Senior Civil Trial Attorney (Public Entity Defense)

Orion Placement; Fullerton (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual billable hours bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid work after onboarding

Job summary

Orion Placement, a California-based law firm serving public agencies, seeks an experienced trial attorney to manage a sophisticated civil defense caseload with first-chair responsibility.

This role offers hybrid work after onboarding, with extensive collaboration, bonuses, and a path for long-term growth within a respected litigation team.

8+ years of civil litigation defense experience preferred; strong courtroom advocacy and California law knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of civil litigation defense or insurance defense experience.
• First-chair experience in at least 6 jury trials and 3 bench trials to verdict in California State Superior Court.
• Strong knowledge of California Evidence Code and California civil procedure.
• Experience handling complex tort, personal injury, public entity, or government litigation.
• Excellent legal writing, courtroom advocacy, negotiation, and client communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage a sophisticated litigation caseload.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex civil litigation matters from inception through appeal.
• Serve as first-chair trial counsel on high-exposure civil defense cases.
• Develop litigation strategy and evaluate legal risks.
• Conduct depositions, discovery, and witness preparation.
• Prepare and argue motions, including Motions in Limine.
• Lead jury selection and courtroom advocacy.
• Retain and prepare expert witnesses.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and appellate filings.
• Regularly communicate case strategy and updates with clients.
• Represent clients during hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Conduct legal research and analyze evolving California law.
• Mentor and collaborate with attorneys and staff as needed.

Skills

First-chair trial experience

California Evidence Code knowledge

Client communication

Independent caseload management

Job description

• Join a highly respected California litigation team handling sophisticated, high-exposure civil defense matters.
• Lead your own caseload with significant autonomy while collaborating with experienced trial attorneys.
• Try meaningful cases that directly impact public agencies and communities throughout California.
• Enjoy long-term career growth with a stable, established employer known for complex litigation work.
• Flexible remote work after initial onboarding, with in-person collaboration as needed.
• Annual billable hours bonus program in addition to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Work alongside attorneys with extensive courtroom experience on challenging, high-profile matters.

Location

Fullerton, CA. Hybrid opportunity with the first two weeks of training completed in the Fullerton office. After onboarding, work remotely while remaining local for court appearances, client meetings, and other in-person obligations.

Note

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in California and have 8+ years of civil litigation defense experience, including substantial first-chair trial experience in California State Superior Court. No solo practitioners. More senior attorneys are encouraged to apply. In-house City Attorneys and Assistant City Attorneys with relevant litigation experience will also be considered.

About Us

We are an established California law firm dedicated exclusively to serving public agencies with exceptional legal counsel and trial representation. Our team handles sophisticated litigation, works collaboratively, values professional excellence, and is committed to delivering outstanding client service. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Independently manage complex civil litigation matters from inception through appeal.
• Serve as first-chair trial counsel on high-exposure civil defense cases.
• Develop litigation strategy and evaluate legal risks.
• Conduct depositions, discovery, and witness preparation.
• Prepare and argue motions, including Motions in Limine.
• Lead jury selection and courtroom advocacy.
• Retain and prepare expert witnesses.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and appellate filings.
• Regularly communicate case strategy and updates with clients.
• Represent clients during hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Conduct legal research and analyze evolving California law.
• Mentor and collaborate with attorneys and legal staff as needed.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of civil litigation defense or insurance defense experience.
• First-chair experience in at least 6 jury trials and 3 bench trials to verdict in California State Superior Court.
• Strong knowledge of California Evidence Code and California civil procedure.
• Experience handling complex tort, personal injury, public entity, or government litigation.
• Excellent legal writing, courtroom advocacy, negotiation, and client communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage a sophisticated litigation caseload.

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced trial attorney seeking challenging work, professional autonomy, and a collaborative culture. You'll handle meaningful litigation, enjoy flexibility after onboarding, earn performance-based bonuses, receive excellent benefits, and build a long-term career with a respected litigation team serving public agencies throughout California.