Associate Attorney needed for Newport Beach office

Job Overview

A well-established law firm specializing in civil rights litigation is seeking a motivated and skilled Associate Attorney to join its team. This firm handles cases related to police excessive force, jail assaults, wrongful death in custody, and deliberate indifference to medical care in prison settings. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in state and federal court litigation, a strong background in law and motion practice, and excellent writing, analytical, and research skills. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact cases, including potential appellate litigation, while advocating for justice in constitutional rights cases.

Location

• Newport Beach, CA

Duties

• Draft, research, and prepare motions, including ex-parte motions and oppositions to summary judgment.
• Argue motions in state and federal courts.
• Participate in appellate litigation, including opportunities to argue in appellate court.
• Take and defend depositions based on experience level.
• Manage federal deadlines for case-specific filings.
• Review police and investigative reports as well as jail medical records.
• Draft federal and state complaints, discovery requests, and responses.
• Formulate discovery strategies and research relevant case law.
• Handle case-related calendaring, legal memorandum, law and motion, and trial preparation.
• Communicate with clients to provide case updates and maintain relationships.
• Perform legal research on constitutional issues and legal precedents.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of law and motion experience.
• Prior attorney and/or law clerk experience required.
• Experience with federal litigation preferred.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage a case load independently.
• Proficient in drafting legal documents and presenting motions in court.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience with electronic filing in state and federal courts is preferred.
• Familiarity with constitutional law, particularly 4th, 8th, and 14th Amendment issues, a plus.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar.

Skills

• Strong legal writing and research abilities.
• Excellent oral advocacy and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage complex cases and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in legal analysis and motion practice.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal communication and client management skills.

Benefits

• Full benefits package, including health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Student loan reimbursement (partial, based on tenure).
• Opportunity to work on significant civil rights cases with nationwide impact.