Civil Litigator / Defense Associate (5-7 years)
Location : Irvine, CA | In-office with occasional flexibility
Base salary: $140,000-$180,000 DOE
Manageable 1550 billable target
Company Summary
We're a Southern California law firm with offices in Irvine and San Diego, practicing in litigation, business, and trusts & estates. Our team values high-quality work, practical collaboration, and a culture built for long-term sustainability. We believe attorneys do their best work when they're supported, trusted, and balanced.
Position Summary
We're looking for a Civil Litigator with 5-7 years of experience defending personal injury and premises liability cases. You'll manage matters for a self-insured client-not a carrier-allowing more thoughtful, thorough case work. Expect autonomy, reasonable billables, and a supportive, flexible environment.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
Nice to Have
Compensation & Benefits
Why this role
Location : Irvine, CA | In-office with occasional flexibility
Base salary: $140,000-$180,000 DOE
Manageable 1550 billable target
Company Summary
We're a Southern California law firm with offices in Irvine and San Diego, practicing in litigation, business, and trusts & estates. Our team values high-quality work, practical collaboration, and a culture built for long-term sustainability. We believe attorneys do their best work when they're supported, trusted, and balanced.
Position Summary
We're looking for a Civil Litigator with 5-7 years of experience defending personal injury and premises liability cases. You'll manage matters for a self-insured client-not a carrier-allowing more thoughtful, thorough case work. Expect autonomy, reasonable billables, and a supportive, flexible environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Handle civil defense cases (PI and premises) from intake through resolution
- Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts
- Draft dispositive and non-dispositive motions (MSJ, demurrers, MILs)
- Conduct discovery, manage experts, prepare mediation materials
- Communicate directly with self-insured client; provide analysis and strategy updates
- Prepare exhibits, witness lists, and trial binders for potential trial
- Maintain 1550 billable-hour target and meet deadlines consistently
Qualifications
- 5-7 years of civil or insurance defense litigation experience
- Strong deposition and motion practice experience
- Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar
- Excellent writing and verbal communication
- Able to work independently and prioritize efficiently
Nice to Have
- Second-chair or first-chair trial experience
- Experience with self-insured or corporate defense clients
Compensation & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k) with match, PTO
- Flexible schedule and occasional work-from-home days
Why this role
- Manageable 1550 billable target
- Self-insured client = no billing micromanagement
- In-office collaboration with flexibility
- No weekend work; family-friendly team
- Modern, balanced environment with real professional autonomy