A growing civil litigation defense practice in Walnut Creek is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its team on a contract-to-hire basis. This role starts fully on-site in Walnut Creek during the training period, and then transitions to a hybrid role offering a schedule of 3 days onsite and 2 days remote and is open to both newly barred attorneys and more experienced litigators. The practice handles a variety of defense matters, including premises liability, transportation/trucking, products liability, construction defect, habitability, and general tort litigation. Attorneys are given the opportunity to take ownership of their cases, work directly with clients, and gain meaningful litigation experience in a collaborative environment with no formal billable hour requirement.

Responsibilities

• Manage cases from inception through resolution, including trial when applicable
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal correspondence
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategy
• Attend hearings, depositions, mediations, and court appearances
• Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and witnesses
• Negotiate settlements and assist in resolving matters efficiently
• Maintain case files, track deadlines, and ensure timely case progression
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff to provide high-quality client service

Qualifications

• Active California Bar membership or recent California Bar admission
• Newly barred attorneys encouraged to apply
• Litigation experience through practice, clerkships, internships, or clinical programs preferred
• Experience with insurance defense, premises liability, trucking, products liability, habitability, construction defect, or general civil litigation is a plus
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter with a desire to develop as a litigator
• Trial experience is a plus but not required