Senior Litigation Attorney

Goodwin Recruiting; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid medical coverage

Immediate vesting 401(k)

Generous PTO

Holiday bonuses

Team-building and social events

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting in Pasadena, CA seeks an experienced Senior Litigation Attorney to lead complex civil defense matters from intake through trial. You will mentor junior attorneys, manage case strategy, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients.

The role emphasizes first or second-chair trial leadership, strong deposition and motion practice, and collaboration with firm leadership on litigation strategy. California bar required and 7+ years of defense litigation experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active California Bar license in good standing.
• 7+ years of civil litigation defense experience.
• Significant trial experience.
• First or second-chair trial experience.
• Strong deposition and motion practice background.
• Excellent legal writing and communication skills.
• Leadership and mentorship experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex civil litigation defense matters from inception through trial.
• Serve as first or second chair in trials, arbitrations, mediations, and depositions.
• Develop litigation strategy and provide risk assessments.
• Maintain strong client relationships and provide ongoing case updates.
• Supervise and mentor associates and junior attorneys.
• Review pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and trial prep materials.
• Assist with budgeting and case management.
• Collaborate with firm leadership on litigation strategy and best practices.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Trial experience

Legal writing

Leadership

Mentorship

Deposition

Discovery

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Litigation Attorney to join its growing Pasadena office. This role is ideal for a seasoned civil defense litigator with substantial trial experience who enjoys leading case strategy, mentoring junior attorneys, and serving as a trusted advisor to clients.

The Senior Litigation Attorney will oversee complex litigation matters from intake through trial while helping shape litigation strategy across the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex civil litigation defense matters from inception through trial
• Serve as first or second chair in trials, arbitrations, mediations, and depositions
• Develop litigation strategy and provide risk assessments
• Maintain strong client relationships and provide ongoing case updates
• Supervise and mentor associates and junior attorneys
• Review pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and trial preparation materials
• Assist with budgeting and case management
• Collaborate with firm leadership on litigation strategy and best practices

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active California Bar license in good standing
• 7+ years of civil litigation defense experience
• Significant trial experience
• First or second-chair trial experience
• Strong deposition and motion practice background
• Excellent legal writing and communication skills
• Leadership and mentorship experience

Preferred Experience

• Insurance Defense
• General Liability
• Premises Liability
• Construction Defect
• Professional Liability
• Catastrophic Injury Defense

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $180,000 - $250,000+ Bonus Program

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical coverage
• Immediate vesting 401(k)
• Generous PTO
• Holiday bonuses
• Team-building and social events