Associate Trial Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gray, Duffy, Eisenbaum & Lee, LLP (GDEL) is a boutique civil litigation defense firm with offices in Woodland Hills and Redwood City. The firm represents clients in a broad range of civil litigation matters, including insurance defense, personal injury, construction defect, employment, and business disputes.

We are seeking a Senior Associate Trial Attorney with significant litigation and trial experience to join our Woodland Hills office. This role is designed for an attorney who can independently manage complex litigation matters and actively participate in trial teams, including serving as lead or co-counsel on contested matters as appropriate.

About the Role

This is a litigation- and trial-focused position involving responsibility for all phases of complex civil defense matters, from case development through trial and resolution. The ideal candidate is an experienced litigator who is confident in the courtroom, skilled in case strategy, and capable of managing high-exposure matters with limited supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex civil litigation matters from intake through resolution or trial
• Develop and execute case strategy across all phases of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
• Take and defend depositions of fact witnesses, experts, and parties
• Handle court appearances, law and motion matters, case management conferences, mediations, and arbitrations
• Draft and argue dispositive and procedural motions
• Prepare witnesses and experts for deposition and trial testimony
• Participate in and/or lead trial preparation and serve as trial counsel or co-counsel as appropriate
• Negotiate settlements and engage in resolution strategy with clients, carriers, and opposing counsel
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients, insurance carriers, experts, co-counsel, and opposing counsel

Performance Expectations

• Maintain a minimum annual billable-hour requirement of 1,950 hours, subject to firm policies and business needs
• Accurately and timely record all billable and non-billable time in accordance with firm and client billing requirements
• Meet productivity, quality, and client service expectations established by the firm, including performance metrics that may be considered in connection with bonus eligibility

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of civil litigation experience
• Substantial experience in insurance defense, personal injury defense, or complex civil litigation
• First-chair or significant second-chair trial experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex litigation matters from inception through trial or resolution
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
• Proven experience handling depositions, motion practice, and courtroom appearances
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Ability to manage multiple high-exposure matters in a fast-paced litigation environment

Compensation and Benefits

Expected Salary Range: $200,000 to $300,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, education, business needs, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Additional Compensation:

Eligibility for quarterly performance-based bonus opportunities based on firm policy and performance metrics, including litigation performance, productivity, quality of work, client service, and other job-related factors.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Additional benefits as provided under applicable firm policies and plan documents

Work Environment

Attorneys are expected to work three days per week in the office and may have the opportunity to work two days per week remotely, subject to client and practice needs. The role involves active participation in litigation matters, including court appearances, depositions, client meetings, and other case-related proceedings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gray, Duffy, Eisenbaum & Lee, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. The firm does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter describing their litigation and trial experience.