Associate Attorney- Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking

SINGLETON SCHREIBER LLP•San Diego, CA

1d•$120,000 - $155,000

About The Position

The Associate Attorney on the Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Team plays a critical role in developing and litigating complex, survivor-centered cases. This position is responsible for managing cases from intake through trial, building strong liability and damages theories, and advocating for survivors with a trauma-informed approach. The role requires strategic thinking, strong litigation skills, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with care while delivering high-quality legal work. This position is open to candidates based in San Diego. Salary: $ 120,000- $155,000 annually Actual salaries will vary and will be based on various factors, such as location, skills, experience, and qualifications for the role.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
Active license to practice law in California.
3+ years of litigation experience (civil litigation preferred; plaintiff-side or complex litigation a plus)
Experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation
Strong legal research and writing skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe
Experience with legal and e-discovery platforms such as ShareFile, PACER, CaseAnywhere, Lexis, SmartAdvocate, Everlaw, Filevine, and OneLegal
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational and time management abilities
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and complex cases
High attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of sexual assault and human trafficking matters from intake through resolution or trial.
Develop and execute litigation strategy, including case themes, liability theories, and damages models.
Advocate for survivors using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach.
Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and investigators to build strong, evidence-driven cases.
Contribute to case strategy, institutional accountability theories, and pattern-and-practice development.
Review intake materials to identify viable claims, defendants, and statutes of limitation.
Analyze liability, causation, and damages; develop case chronologies and themes.
Identify missing evidence and investigative needs.
Build institutional notice, ratification, and pattern-and-practice arguments.
Anticipate defenses and develop strategies to overcome them.
Conduct client meetings and ongoing communications.
Prepare clients for all stages of litigation (filing, discovery, depositions, mediation, trial).
Provide clear, consistent updates on case status.
Build trust using trauma-informed, non-retraumatizing communication practices.
Interview witnesses and coordinate evidence collection.
Obtain and analyze police, medical, therapy, school, employment, and institutional records.
Investigate prior complaints, policies, and institutional failures.
Work with investigators and staff to develop factual records.
Draft complaints, amended complaints, and dispositive/opposition motions.
Prepare motions in limine and other pretrial filings.
Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on key legal issues.
Track deadlines and ensure timely, high-quality filings.
Draft and respond to interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, and subpoenas.
Analyze incoming discovery and manage strategy to develop liability and damages evidence.
Draft meet-and-confer correspondence and motions to compel or for protective orders.
Prepare outlines for party, witness, expert, and PMK/30(b)(6) depositions.
Defend plaintiff depositions and take or second-chair depositions.
Summarize testimony and identify key admissions.
Develop impeachment materials and follow-up discovery.
Identify and retain appropriate experts (e.g., trauma, psychology, institutional abuse, damages).
Prepare expert materials, disclosures, and deposition/trial preparation.
Draft mediation briefs and demand packages.
Prepare damages analyses and liability summaries.
Assist in evaluating settlement positions and updating case value.
Prepare clients for mediation.
Draft jury instructions, verdict forms, and trial briefs.
Prepare witness outlines, examinations, and exhibits.
Organize trial materials, timelines, and demonstratives.
Assist with trial logistics and participate as first- or second-chair, depending on experience.
Collaborate with paralegals, case assistants, investigators, and senior attorneys.
Delegate tasks while maintaining ownership of case strategy.
Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.
Communicate risks, deadlines, and strategic decisions to leadership.
Apply trauma-informed practices in all client interactions.
Handle sensitive information with discretion and care.
Maintain awareness of confidentiality and privacy issues.
Balance strong advocacy with emotional intelligence and client well-being.

Benefits

100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
$50,000 in life insurance provided at no cost
401(k) plan with 6% dollar-for-dollar employer match after probationary period
Generous paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or fostering
Dependent care reimbursement up to $3,500/month
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Up to $5,000 Infertility Treatment reimbursement and Up to $5,250/year in tuition reimbursement for professional development
Monthly commuter reimbursement up to $100 for public transportation
Home office reimbursement: $150 for a desk, $150 for a chair (one-time)
$25 work-from-home allowance each pay period for hybrid and remote staff
State bar and approved professional association dues covered
$30 Grubhub lunch credit every first Friday of the month
Community engagement support: matching donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and encouragement of volunteer time