Senior Litigation Attorney - Personal Injury

Joseph Michaels International; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International in Los Angeles, CA, seeks an experienced Senior Litigation Attorney to lead its plaintiff-side Personal Injury practice. The ideal candidate manages cases independently and collaborates with trial teams to drive strategies from evaluation through trial.

Responsibilities include drafting pleadings, managing discovery, taking and defending depositions, negotiating settlements, and preparing cases for trial with strong client communication and courtroom presence.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active California Bar membership in good standing.
• Approximately 7+ years of personal injury law firm experience.
• Substantial hands-on civil litigation experience.
• Strong knowledge of California litigation procedures, discovery and deadlines.
• Experience evaluating liability, damages and case value.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate settlements and take/defend depositions.
• Ability to independently develop cases and prepare for trial.

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy and manage cases from filing through resolution or trial.
• Draft complaints, pleadings, motions, briefs and other substantive legal documents.
• Propound and respond to written discovery and resolve disputes.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for depositions, hearings and trial.
• Take and defend depositions and supervise paralegals and staff.
• Identify, retain and prepare medical and other expert witnesses.
• Conduct legal research and develop arguments on liability and damages.
• Represent clients at mediations, hearings and court proceedings.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution.
• Prepare cases for trial with motions in limine, witness prep, and exhibits.

Skills

Civil litigation

Case management

Legal research

Written advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Senior Litigation Attorney - Personal Injury

Los Angeles, California

An established and growing Los Angeles law firm is seeking an experienced Litigation Attorney to join its plaintiff-side Personal Injury practice.

This opportunity is designed for an attorney who is comfortable managing significant cases independently but also wants access to experienced attorneys, dedicated support staff, and meaningful opportunities to participate in trials. The attorney will oversee matters throughout the litigation lifecycle - from initial case evaluation and strategy through discovery, depositions, mediation, settlement negotiations and trial preparation.

The position offers the opportunity to take cases to trial as lead counsel as appropriate, as well as work alongside experienced trial attorneys as second or co-chair on other matters.

The Role

You will have primary responsibility for a portfolio of personal injury matters at various stages of litigation. You will work closely with clients, paralegals, case managers and other attorneys to develop case strategy, evaluate damages and liability, manage discovery, prepare matters for resolution and move appropriate cases toward trial.

• Develop litigation strategy and manage cases from filing through resolution or trial.
• Evaluate new and existing matters for liability, damages, settlement potential and litigation strategy.
• Draft complaints, pleadings, motions, briefs and other substantive legal documents.
• Propound and respond to written discovery and resolve discovery disputes.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for depositions, hearings and trial.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Identify, retain and prepare medical and other expert witnesses.
• Conduct legal research and develop arguments involving complex liability and damages issues.
• Represent clients at mediations, hearings, conferences and other court proceedings.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in alternative dispute resolution.
• Prepare cases for trial, including motions in limine, witness examinations, exhibits and other trial materials.
• Work closely with clients regarding treatment, case development, expectations and litigation strategy.
• Oversee and collaborate with assigned paralegal, legal support and case-management professionals.
• Review medical records, treatment recommendations and other evidence relevant to damages.
• Evaluate liens, insurance issues and other considerations affecting case resolution.
• Assist other attorneys with hearings, appearances and trials when appropriate.

The practice handles a variety of personal injury matters, which may include automobile accidents, premises liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims and matters involving overlapping employment or workers' compensation issues.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be an experienced California litigator who combines strong technical skills with sound judgment and the ability to build trust with clients.

• Juris Doctor and active California Bar membership in good standing.
• Approximately 7+ years of personal injury law firm experience.
• Substantial hands-on civil litigation experience.
• Strong knowledge of California litigation procedures, discovery and applicable deadlines.
• Experience evaluating liability, damages and case value.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate meaningful settlements.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Ability to independently develop cases and prepare matters for trial.
• Familiarity with medical records, medical treatment and expert witnesses commonly involved in personal injury litigation.
• Understanding of insurance, liens and issues that can affect personal injury recoveries.
• Strong legal research, writing, advocacy and client-communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple active litigation matters while maintaining appropriate attention to case strategy and deadlines.
• Experience supervising or working closely with paralegals and litigation support staff.
• Familiarity with workers' compensation crossover issues is helpful.
• Spanish fluency is highly desirable but not required.

Why Consider the Opportunity?

This is an opportunity for an experienced litigator to join a well-established plaintiff practice where attorneys have the resources to develop cases thoroughly and the opportunity to gain additional courtroom and trial experience.

The firm offers a collaborative environment, experienced support professionals and access to attorneys handling significant personal injury matters. For an attorney who wants both independence in managing a caseload and the opportunity to work alongside experienced trial counsel, this position offers an attractive combination of responsibility, support and professional growth.

All inquiries will be handled confidentially.