Associate - Trial & Defense (California)

Salary: $135,000 - $150,000 per year

Posted: September 30 2026 Relocation Assistance: Not AvailableASSOCIATE - Trial & Defense TRIAL & DEFENSE PRACTICE HYBRIDOur client, aleading international law firm, is seeking a skilled Litigation Associate Attorneyto join its dynamic Trial & Defense Practice Group. This position offers the opportunity to defend a broad range of complex product liability matters (environmental, asbestos, talc, etc.) and commercial disputes, working with policyholders, brokers, London Market and other domestic and international insurers in this space and in relation to other latent type insurance claims.. Associates in this group gain significant hands‑on experience while working closely with seasoned litigators in a fast-paced and dynamic practice.

Candidate Profile: JD/LLMfrom anABA-accredited law schoolwith anexcellent academic record Active Bar Admissionin California, in good standing 1-4 yearsof substantivelitigationexperience Experience handlingcomplex liability, commercial disputes, orinsurance claims Exposure toproduct liability defense preferred Demonstrated ability to conductlegal researchand draftpleadings, motions, andbriefs Comfortable participating indepositions, hearings, mediations, andtrial preparation Superior legal writing, analytical, and research skills Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-moving environment

Key Responsibilities: Conduct legal researchandprepare detailed analyses Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-relatedfilings Participateindepositions, hearings, mediations, andtrials Interview clients, eyewitnesses, and other relevant parties Prepareanddelivercomprehensivereportingto clients regardingcase statusandstrategy Engage insignificant direct communicationwith clients and insurers Assist in all phases of case development, litigation strategy, and trial preparation Collaborate with partners and team members to advance case objectives with efficiency and precision Why Join Us? This opportunity offers a strong platform to practice within anationally-recognized trial and defense groupknown for handlinghigh-exposureandcomplex litigation matters. Attorneys in this practice gain substantialhands‑on experience. Associates develop strong trial skills, strategic thinking, and the ability tomanage significant responsibilityearly in their careers. The team is known for itsdeep subject‑matter expertise, strong mentorship, andcollaborative environment. For attorneys seeking to build a career in complex litigation within ahigh-performing yetcollegial practice, this role provides exceptional training, professional development, andlong‑term advancement potential.

Annual Salary: Expected annual base salary range of$135,000–$150,000, as determined by experience and market factors Annual Performance-basedand Monthly Bonus Eligibility Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid parental leave; flexible paid time off; wellness programs; 401(k)/retirement plans; student loan repayment support; and additional firm-sponsored perks