Associate Attorney – Defense Litigation

Coastal Wave Recruiting

. Handle local and national litigation matters throughout California .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeIrvine • California • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $130,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in defense litigation, including case strategy development, legal research, and drafting of substantive legal documents. Proven ability to manage complex caseloads and deadlines while maintaining strong client relationships and attention to detail.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Defense Litigation ExperienceJuris DoctorCalifornia Bar AdmissionLegal Research and Writing SkillsDeposition Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Case Strategy DevelopmentDrafting Legal DocumentsMotion PracticeDiscovery AnalysisTrial Preparation

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsOrganizational SkillsAttention to DetailTime Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Active California Bar Admission

Industry Keywords

General LiabilityProduct LiabilityToxic Tort LitigationEnvironmental LiabilityComplex Civil Litigation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Handle local and national litigation matters throughout California
Independently manage an active defense litigation caseload
Develop case strategy in collaboration with partners and clients
Conduct plaintiff, fact witness, and expert depositions
Prepare witnesses for depositions and trial
Review and analyze discovery requests and case materials
Draft and respond to written discovery
Research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive legal documents
Handle motion practice and court appearances
Work directly with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other parties
Assist with and participate in trial preparation and trial
Manage deadlines and cases efficiently from inception through resolution
Maintain accurate and timely billing records

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 2+ years of defense litigation experience required
Experience in General Liability, Product Liability, Toxic Tort Litigation, Environmental Liability, or Complex Civil Litigation strongly preferred
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school required
Active California Bar admission required
Experience with substantive motion practice
Deposition experience required
Experience taking the lead on plaintiff and/or expert depositions strongly preferred
Strong legal research and writing skills
Ability to independently manage cases and competing deadlines
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Ability to effectively manage multiple matters in a fast-paced litigation environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Life and AD&D insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pet insurance
Identity theft protection
Additional voluntary benefits
Formal mentorship
Hands-on litigation and trial training
Continued attorney development programs
Meaningful case responsibility
Long-term growth opportunities