Product Liability Litigation Associate

About the role

This position guides product liability cases through structured litigation from intake to resolution in the Los Angeles office. The role serves the firm's clients by managing complex product liability matters within a large, collaborative AmLaw 100 environment.

People teams handle hiring, development, and employee experience. Recruiters find and screen candidates. HR partners advise managers on policy and performance. People operations run payroll, benefits, and compliance. The work requires discretion, fairness, and clear communication. People teams support employees through every stage, from hiring to exit. Most companies run structured processes for reviews, compensation, and policy changes.

Key facts

What you'll do

Courtroom arguments unfold in California state court when statutes require it. Courtroom arguments also unfold in federal court when federal questions or jurisdiction apply. Case ownership emerges through initiative within a large, collaborative team. Interpersonal skills coordinate work across practice groups and support functions. Strong academic credentials underpin outstanding writing, research, and analytical work. Familiarity with pharmaceutical products informs defense strategies for drug-related claims. Familiarity with medical devices shapes arguments about design and manufacturing choices. Familiarity with consumer health products addresses safety and marketing concerns. Familiarity with consumer-facing products guides assessments of duty and defect. Trial or trial preparation experience sharpens presentation and examination strategies. Writing, research, and analytical skills drive persuasive briefing and advocacy.

Requirements

A degree is required as stated in the listing. California Bar admission is mandatory to practice in this role. Candidates must bring two to four years of complex product liability litigation experience from a law firm. Courtroom experience defending clients in California state court is required. Courtroom experience defending clients in federal court is required. Familiarity with pharmaceutical products is preferred for matters involving drug defects. Familiarity with medical devices is preferred for matters involving equipment defects. Familiarity with consumer health products is preferred for health-related liability issues. Familiarity with consumer-facing products is preferred for general product safety cases. Trial or trial preparation experience is viewed as a plus. Writing, research, and analytical skills must remain outstanding. Academic credentials are expected to be strong.

Practical notes

The position is full_time and based in Los Angeles, California. Equal employment opportunity applies to all recruitment and employment decisions. Typical interview steps

People team interviews usually include a case scenario, a policy question, and behavioral rounds. Candidates may be asked to design an interview process or handle a sensitive employee situation. Confidentiality and judgment are tested throughout. Structured answers with empathy land best. Interviewers often test how you handle sensitive information and disagreement. Framing answers around policy, fairness, and company values works well.

Good to know

Product liability litigation often involves analysis of technical reports and expert testimony. Legal professionals in this field assess defect claims and causation theories using structured case reviews. Written and oral advocacy skills are central to success in courtroom settings. Team collaboration is common in large law firm environments where cross-functional coordination is required. Professionals use document review platforms, legal research systems, and trial presentation tools to manage complex evidence.

Career growth

People careers grow from coordinator to generalist, manager, and director levels. Recruiters can move into talent leadership. HR partners can move into people operations leadership. Business acumen becomes more important at each level. People careers reward breadth across recruitment, development, and operations. Experience with tools such as HRIS and ATS systems helps at every level.

About the company

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking a motivated attorney with international trade experience to join our Washington, D. C. office.