Associate Attorney, Civil Litigation Location: Offices throughout CA
Job Description:We are seeking an experienced Dental Malpractice Attorney to join our growing litigation team. This role is ideal for an accomplished civil litigator with a strong background in professional liability and/or dental malpractice defense who is comfortable independently managing complex cases from inception through resolution.
The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and legal writing skills, sound judgment, excellent client communication abilities, and the ability to develop and execute effective litigation strategies. This attorney will have significant responsibility for an active caseload and will work closely with clients, claims professionals, experts, opposing counsel, and the courts.
PRACTICE AREAS: Dental Malpractice / Professional Liability
Responsibilities:- Independently manage a caseload of complex dental malpractice and professional liability matters from inception through resolution.
- Analyze legal and factual issues, conduct thorough legal research, and develop and implement well-founded defense strategies.
- Evaluate liability, damages, causation, and overall case exposure and provide thoughtful recommendations regarding litigation strategy and resolution.
- Draft and prepare pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, mediation statements, and other legal documents.
- Prepare for and conduct depositions of plaintiffs, defendants, dental professionals, experts, and other witnesses.
- Review and analyze dental records, medical records, expert reports, deposition testimony, and other complex case materials.
- Identify, retain, and work closely with appropriate dental, medical, and other expert witnesses.
- Provide timely legal advice, case evaluations, status updates, and strategic recommendations to clients, claims representatives, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain strong and proactive relationships with clients, adjusters, and insurance representatives throughout the life of each matter.
- Communicate and negotiate effectively with opposing counsel, co-counsel, experts, witnesses, and other parties.
- Make court appearances and represent clients at hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and other legal proceedings.
- Assist in preparing and presenting witnesses, evidence, and legal arguments at trial.
- Take ownership of the prompt, efficient, and effective resolution of assigned matters.
- Effectively manage competing deadlines and priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and quality.
- Accurately record billable time and tasks in accordance with firm and client billing requirements.
- Collaborate with other attorneys and legal professionals while exercising a high degree of independence and professional judgment.
Qualifications:- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-approved law school.
- Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar; Nevada Bar admission is a plus.
- 5+ years of civil litigation experience, with significant experience in dental malpractice, medical malpractice, professional liability, or related defense litigation.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing complex litigation matters.
- Strong understanding of litigation strategy, discovery, depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation.
- Exceptional legal research and writing skills.
- Strong analytical and case evaluation abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to clients.
- Experience working with expert witnesses and evaluating technical or clinical records.
- Strong negotiation and advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a substantial caseload while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work product.
- Comfortable working independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, clients, claims professionals, and support staff.
- Must be able to appear in court and attend hearings, depositions, mediations, and other proceedings both in person and virtually.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology/software.
- Highly responsive, organized, and professional in all communications.
- Ability to travel between offices, courts, client meetings, depositions, and other legal settings as needed.
- Ability to review and analyze a high volume of documents and records and prepare detailed legal work product.
- Demonstrated ability to manage stress, exercise sound judgment, and perform effectively in a fast-paced and demanding litigation environment.
Compensation: DOE, Range: plus benefits.
Location: On-site/hybrid/remote in California, with San Diego, Long Beach, Corona, San Francisco, Los Gatos, and Santa Ana Offices