Associate Attorney – General Liability, Toxic Tort Litigation

Coastal Wave Recruiting

. Independently manage an active defense litigation caseload .

Posted 9/30/2026full-timeIrvine • California • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $130,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing defense litigation cases, including General Liability, Product Liability, and Toxic Tort matters, while providing strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Effectively communicates with clients and parties involved, ensuring timely management of multiple cases and deadlines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Defense Litigation ExperienceGeneral LiabilityProduct LiabilityToxic Tort LitigationCalifornia Bar License

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchDrafting PleadingsMotion PracticeDeposition ManagementLitigation Strategy Development

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsTime ManagementWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationAnalytical Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Industry Keywords

Complex Civil LitigationEnvironmental LiabilityPlaintiff DepositionsExpert DepositionsWritten Discovery

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Independently manage an active defense litigation caseload
Handle local and national client matters throughout California
Manage cases involving general liability, product liability, toxic tort, environmental liability, and other complex civil litigation matters
Conduct plaintiff, fact-witness, and expert depositions
Prepare clients and witnesses for depositions and trial
Review, analyze, prepare, and respond to written discovery
Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation documents
Conduct legal research and prepare high-quality written work product
Participate in trial preparation and provide trial support
Analyze complex factual and legal issues and assist in developing litigation strategy
Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and other parties
Maintain accurate and timely billing and time records
Manage multiple matters, deadlines, and priorities efficiently

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 2+ years of defense litigation experience required
Experience in General Liability, Product Liability, Toxic Tort Litigation, Environmental Liability, or Complex Civil Litigation preferred
Experience with motion practice and depositions
Experience taking the lead in plaintiff and/or expert depositions preferred
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
Ability to independently manage assignments and litigation matters
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Ability to manage multiple cases and competing deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Active California Bar license and in good standing
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
Minimum 2 years of defense litigation experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical healthcare coverage
Dental and vision insurance
Life insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Cell phone stipend
Technology-related benefits/support
Fitness reimbursement
Professional liability coverage
Identity protection benefits
Paid time off/vacation benefits
Professional development opportunities
Benefits eligibility beginning upon hire, with certain benefits subject to applicable waiting periods