Litigation Attorney - Associate

Coastal Wave Recruiting • Mission Viejo, CA

50d

About The Position

Our client is a boutique litigation and criminal defense firm known for combining strategic advocacy with deep legal knowledge. We represent clients in high-stakes civil and criminal matters, internal investigations, regulatory risk, and complex litigation. They offer “strategic counsel from an aggressive team of former federal prosecutors.”
As part of our team, you’ll work hands-on with senior partners, handle meaningful litigation responsibility, and contribute to the growth and success of the practice.
We are seeking a talented Litigation Attorney (Associate level) with 3+ years of experience in civil litigation to join our team. The ideal candidate will be proficient in all phases of litigation — from complaint drafting through trial preparation — and thrive working in a demanding, collegial environment.
You will work on a diverse docket of complex matters, often under tight deadlines, and will be expected to deliver excellence in legal analysis, strategic thinking, and client service.

Requirements

• 3+ years of civil litigation experience (preferably in California)
• Demonstrated expertise drafting complaints, motions, and briefs
• Substantial experience in discovery (propounding and responding)
• Proven deposition experience (taking and defending)
• Excellent legal research and writing skills
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage a heavy workload, meet deadlines, and work under pressure
• Exceptional client-service orientation and communication skills (both written and oral)
• Strong work ethic, integrity, self-motivation, professionalism
• Bar membership in good standing (California preferred)

Responsibilities

• Draft and file pleadings, complaints, answers, motions to dismiss, summary judgment motions, and other dispositive and non-dispositive motions
• Conduct discovery: prepare interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission; respond to opposing party’s discovery
• Supervise and manage e-discovery and document review, including privilege logging
• Take and defend depositions of fact witnesses, experts, and party witnesses
• Conduct in-depth legal research, analyze case law, statutes, regulations, and develop winning legal arguments
• Draft high-quality briefs, memoranda, declarations, and other litigation documents
• Assist with case strategy and legal development in consultation with senior attorneys
• Manage case files, deadlines, and workflows; ensure compliance with court rules and local procedures
• Maintain regular, clear, and professional communication with clients, updating them on developments and advising on risk / strategy
• Collaborate internally with partners, associates, and support staff to achieve favorable outcomes
• Occasionally assist in settlement negotiations and litigation budgeting

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• $45 per month cell phone allowance and may contribute to a non-matching 401k.
• Bonuses are given at the beginning of the calendar year depending on hours billed, teamwork, professionalism, timeliness, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed