Litigation Associate Attorney - Medical Malpractice

About the role

This position offers ownership of complex medical malpractice cases across the full litigation lifecycle within California courts. The role operates in a hybrid capacity, allowing practice from Southern California offices located in Los Angeles, San Diego, or Irvine. You will defend healthcare providers, physicians, and long-term care facilities while managing high-exposure matters with precision and strategic insight. The successful candidate will be entrusted with significant responsibility from the outset, handling intricate factual scenarios and applying legal principles to achieve optimal results for clients. You will not merely assist; you will drive the defense strategy on substantial matters, demonstrating initiative and judgment in complex environments. This role provides the opportunity to build a substantial book of business within the medical malpractice sector, developing deep expertise over time. You will be accountable for managing cases from initial client contact through resolution, ensuring that all strategic decisions align with client objectives and risk tolerance. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, where your contributions directly influence the outcomes of high-stakes litigation.

Key facts

What you'll do

You will draft strategic pleadings and motions while directing discovery in both state and federal court systems. Defense of healthcare providers, physicians, and long-term care facilities in malpractice and injury matters forms a core part of daily responsibility. You will take and defend fact and expert witness depositions to safeguard client positions and case integrity. Substantive motions, including Motions for Summary Judgment and Summary Adjudication, will be drafted and argued to secure favorable outcomes. You will actively participate in client meetings, mediations, and hearings across California courthouses. Collaboration with partners, experts, and insurance carriers will be essential in navigating high-exposure healthcare disputes. Trial preparation and second-chair responsibilities will be executed to ensure courtroom readiness and strategic advantage. You will own case strategy from intake through final judgment in complex healthcare litigation. You will conduct comprehensive legal research to support novel issues and emerging trends in medical liability law. Case files will be managed with rigorous organization to ensure deadlines are met and documentation is readily accessible. You will evaluate the merits of claims and defenses to provide clear, actionable guidance to clients. Developing and maintaining relationships with expert witnesses will be a critical function to bolster case theory. You will analyze medical records and documentation to identify key issues relevant to liability and causation. Billing and client profitability will be managed responsibly to ensure efficient resource allocation on all matters.

Requirements

Admission to the California bar is mandatory, accompanied by a minimum of 4 years of litigation experience focused on medical malpractice defense. Federal court admission in the Central and Southern Districts of California is preferred for this role. You must possess experience in taking and defending depositions, including those involving expert testimony. Exceptional writing, analytical, and verbal communication abilities are required for daily application. Demonstrated trial preparation experience or second-chair responsibilities are required qualifications. A strong commitment to ethical practice and client confidentiality is essential for success in this environment. The ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining attention to detail is non-negotiable. Candidates must be eligible to practice law in good standing without any suspension or disbarment history. A demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of a collaborative team is necessary. The requirements specify a professional with a proven track record in a courtroom setting. You must be prepared to engage in continuous learning to adapt to changes in healthcare regulations and legal precedent. Only candidates meeting these specific experience and bar admission criteria will be considered for this position.

Nice to have

Preference will be given to candidates with a background in medical malpractice, long-term care, and elder abuse defense.