Associate Attorney needed for Pleasant Hill office

Job Title: Associate Attorney – Public Entity Defense

Job Overview: A prominent law firm located in Pleasant Hill, CA, is seeking a skilled and dedicated Associate Attorney to join its litigation team. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in civil litigation, with a focus on defense work. Experience in personal injury or civil rights litigation is a plus. This position requires strong courtroom skills, effective discovery management, and the ability to prepare and manage complex legal cases.

Duties:

• Represent clients in court and handle depositions, both taking and defending.
• Evaluate legal issues and devise effective strategies for case management.
• Handle all aspects of civil discovery including creating discovery plans, drafting written discovery, conducting meet and confers, and analyzing discovery responses.
• Identify and prepare expert witnesses and critically evaluate opposing experts.
• Draft comprehensive reports to clients and carriers regarding case status.
• Work independently while collaborating with colleagues when needed.
• Manage multiple, time-sensitive projects efficiently.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in civil litigation.
• Admission to the California State Bar and in good standing.
• Proven courtroom experience with strong deposition skills.
• Expertise in drafting motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Experience in all phases of civil discovery.
• Ability to identify, prepare, and evaluate expert witnesses.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of working independently and managing a high volume of cases.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal billing software.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice law in California.

Skills:

• Strong litigation and legal research skills, using platforms like Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw.
• Excellent client communication abilities.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills for relationship-building with clients and colleagues.

Job Location:

• Pleasant Hill, CA (Hybrid remote option available)

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

This law firm was established two decades ago to provide high quality litigation services. Their areas of practice include court trials, arbitrations, and complex litigation. The firm is located in California.