Senior Construction Defect / General Liability Litigation Attorney

Orion Placement; Newport Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Job summary

Confidential Employer in California seeks an experienced civil defense attorney to lead construction defect and general liability defense matters. You will own cases from inception through resolution, develop strategy with senior attorneys, and handle discovery, depositions, and motions with minimal supervision.

The role requires a California Bar license and 10+ years of civil litigation, with strong negotiation, writing, and client management skills.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license.
• 10+ years of civil litigation experience.
• Construction defect and/or general liability litigation experience required.
• Defense-side litigation experience strongly preferred.
• Experience independently handling discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, and case strategy.
• Excellent legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong client relationship and case management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex litigation matters with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage construction defect and general liability defense cases from inception through resolution.
• Develop litigation strategy in partnership with clients and senior attorneys.
• Draft, propound, and respond to all phases of written discovery.
• Take and defend depositions of parties, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses.
• Prepare and argue law and motion matters, including demurrers, motions for summary judgment, motions in limine, and other dispositive motions.
• Appear in court for hearings, case management conferences, settlement conferences, and trial-related proceedings.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding litigation strategy, case developments, and risk assessment.
• Supervise and collaborate with paralegals and legal support staff.
• Evaluate cases and contribute to settlement and resolution strategies.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's Newport Beach, Sacramento, and Pleasant Hill offices to provide exceptional client representation throughout California.

Skills

Civil litigation

Discovery management

Deposition handling

Motion practice

Court appearances

Negotiation

Oral advocacy

Client relationships

Job description

Pay: $195,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join a respected California civil litigation firm handling sophisticated construction defect and general liability defense matters.
• Take full ownership of your caseload, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, and litigation strategy.
• Build your practice in two of California's most established and in-demand defense practice areas.
• Work alongside experienced litigators who value collaboration, strategic thinking, and professional autonomy.
• Competitive compensation with bonus opportunities that reward performance.
• Be part of a collegial team where attorneys are trusted with meaningful responsibility and supported in their long-term career growth.

Location

Hiring in Newport Beach, CA, Sacramento, CA, and Pleasant Hill, CA. This is hybrid position designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and exceptional client service across our California offices.

Note

Candidates must have an active California Bar license and a minimum of 10+ years of civil litigation experience, including construction defect and/or general liability litigation. Defense-side litigation experience is strongly preferred. Candidates who do not meet these qualifications will not be considered.

About Us

We are a well-established California civil litigation firm representing businesses, insurers, developers, contractors, and other clients in construction defect, general liability, and complex civil defense matters throughout the state. Our attorneys are entrusted with meaningful case responsibility while working within a collaborative environment that emphasizes strategic advocacy, efficiency, and outstanding client service. We invest in our people, encourage professional growth, and foster a culture built on teamwork and respect. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Independently manage construction defect and general liability defense cases from inception through resolution.
• Develop litigation strategy in partnership with clients and senior attorneys.
• Draft, propound, and respond to all phases of written discovery.
• Take and defend depositions of parties, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses.
• Prepare and argue law and motion matters, including demurrers, motions for summary judgment, motions in limine, and other dispositive motions.
• Appear in court for hearings, case management conferences, settlement conferences, and trial-related proceedings.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding litigation strategy, case developments, and risk assessment.
• Supervise and collaborate with paralegals and legal support staff.
• Evaluate cases and contribute to settlement and resolution strategies.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the firm's Newport Beach, Sacramento, and Pleasant Hill offices to provide exceptional client representation throughout California.

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license.
• 10+ years of civil litigation experience.
• Construction defect and/or general liability litigation experience required.
• Defense-side litigation experience strongly preferred.
• Experience independently handling discovery, depositions, motion practice, court appearances, and case strategy.
• Excellent legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong client relationship and case management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex litigation matters with minimal supervision.

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is a firm built for experienced litigators who enjoy practicing law at a high level. You'll handle sophisticated construction defect and general liability defense matters, collaborate with accomplished attorneys, and work directly with clients on meaningful litigation strategy. We believe in giving attorneys the autonomy to own their cases while providing the support, resources, and collaborative culture needed for long-term success. With opportunities across multiple California offices, competitive compensation, bonus potential, and an outstanding team environment, this is an exceptional opportunity to continue building your litigation career.

JPC-2206

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance