Associate Attorney / Law Clerk

Required Skills & Experience

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active California State Bar License in good standing required for Associate Attorney candidates; law clerk candidates may also be considered.
• No prior attorney experience required.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, priorities, and deadlines.
• Interest in developing a career in civil litigation and insurance defense.
• Ability to take ownership of work and operate independently after training.

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• Recently passed the California Bar.
• Law clerk experience with litigation exposure.
• Insurance Defense experience.
• Civil Litigation experience.
• Personal Injury or Automobile Negligence experience.
• Experience drafting pleadings, discovery, motions, or other litigation documents.
• Exposure to depositions, hearings, mediations, or trial preparation.

Job Description

Our client is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its civil litigation defense practice in Santa Ana, CA. This opportunity is ideal for a recently licensed attorney or law clerk looking to build hands-on litigation experience within an established defense practice.

The attorney will support matters involving personal injury, automobile negligence, and insurance defense, gaining exposure to all stages of litigation while working alongside experienced attorneys. Prior attorney experience is not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle and support personal injury, automobile negligence, and civil defense matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct legal research and case analysis.
• Review medical records, damages, liability issues, and supporting evidence.
• Participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences.
• Assist with mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Communicate with clients, insurance carriers, opposing counsel, and experts.
• Assist supervising attorneys with case strategy.
• Manage case deadlines and maintain accurate litigation files.

Location: Santa Ana, CA - Hybrid role

Compensation: $125,000-$185,000 base + uncapped bonus potential depending on experience and qualifications.