Associate Attorney needed for Irvine office

Job Title:
Associate Attorney

Job Location:
Irvine, CA

Job Overview:
A prestigious defense law firm is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Attorney to join its dynamic litigation team. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing complex litigation, including pre-trial motions, discovery, depositions, and trial preparation. This role involves working closely with national counsel teams, overseeing case development, and interacting with clients and other stakeholders. The position requires an individual who is eager to take ownership of their cases, demonstrate legal leadership, and be an integral part of a thriving legal practice.

Duties:

• Independently develop case defenses and trial strategies.
• Support a national litigation team in managing cases for major corporate clients across the country.
• Analyze state and federal case law to inform legal strategies for pre-trial motions and other filings.
• Prepare and draft motions, litigation-related documents, and complex legal filings.
• Draft discovery requests and responses, managing the exchange of information with various parties.
• Conduct witness interviews and prepare them for testimony in litigation or before regulatory bodies.
• Take and defend depositions, including those of experts and corporate representatives.
• Argue motions and advocate for clients in court hearings.
• Communicate regularly with clients, providing updates and guidance on case developments.
• Draft pre-trial reports and assess risk for case resolution.
• Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and other court-mandated meetings.
• Develop creative solutions for case strategy and resolution.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to paralegals and junior attorneys as necessary.
• Coordinate with outside co-counsel to strategize and negotiate discovery efforts.
• Lead negotiations for settlements with opposing parties.
• Engage in networking opportunities to foster client relationships and business development.
• Demonstrate leadership through bar association involvement and community activities.
• Support senior attorneys, including Shareholders and Partners, in complex matters.
• Meet annual billable requirements and adhere to timekeeping policies.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• At least 3 years of experience in litigation within a law firm environment.
• Experience in complex litigation, including mass torts, class actions, commercial litigation, environmental law, commercial disputes, or other high-stakes litigation.
• Strong background in billable work environments.
• Client-focused with a proven ability to manage relationships effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while managing competing priorities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with legal software tools (e.g., FileVine, Document Management Systems) is a plus.
• Demonstrated professionalism, courtesy, and a collaborative attitude.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Admission to CA State Bar.

Skills:

• Strong litigation and legal research skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to prioritize and work independently.
• Experience managing and mentoring junior staff or paralegals.
• Client relationship management.

Job Location:

• Irvine, CA

This law firm handles legal matters in New England and manages litigation throughout the United States. It is a dynamic law firm that counsels, litigates, and navigates its clients through complicated legal matters that require scientific and medical knowledge, as well as multidimensional rational skills. Their professionals differ in backgrounds, experiences, risk tolerances, strengths, talents, and expertise, enabling them to look at cases and issues from all angles to provide the highest quality defense for the clients. This firm offers pro bono work as their responsibility as legal professionals. They hold multiple charitable events, contribute to charitable causes, and give back to their community.