Associate Jobs in Valley Center, CA (NOW HIRING)

California's premier plaintiff-side firm is looking for driven attorneys who want real courtroom time, real mentorship, and a real shot at becoming among the best litigators in the state. 

AT A GLANCE

• #1 Ranked Plaintiff Employment Firm in California  
• Record-Setting Verdicts and Settlements  
• Day One Meaningful Trial Work  
• One-on-One Partner Mentorship 

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is the role most associates wait a decade for. 

At most firms, you spend years in the back office before you ever see the inside of a courtroom. At Shegerian & Associates, that calculus is reversed. From day one, you own your cases, arguing motions, taking depositions, and preparing for trial alongside some of the most respected employment litigators in California. 

We represent workers who have been wrongfully terminated, harassed, and discriminated against. The stakes are personal. The advocacy is aggressive. And the results are record-setting. 

"Carney Shegerian doesn't just give you work. He teaches you how to think, how to fight, and how to win. You'll be part of verdicts and landmark rulings you'll be proud of for the rest of your career." 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Full ownership. From filing to verdict. 

• Take full autonomy over cases from inception through trial 
• Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial briefs 
• Take and defend depositions  
• Appear in court for hearings and motion practice 
• Communicate directly with clients and contribute meaningfully to case strategy 
• Participate in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations 
• Prepare for trial and gain second chair experience 
• Contribute to emerging California employment case law 

MENTORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

The training you won't find anywhere else. 

Carney Shegerian is one of the most decorated trial lawyers in the state and he is invested in passing that expertise to the next generation. Associates at Shegerian & Associates receive structured, intentional development built around real-world excellence. 

One-on-One Mentorship  

Direct, ongoing guidance from Carney and senior partners. Not delegated to a mid-level associate. You learn from the best, directly. 

Regular Workshops 

Practical training sessions covering deposition technique, trial strategy, courtroom presence, and jury persuasion.  

Be Part of History  

Work on cases that set California precedent. Your wins will be cited by courts for years to come. 

A Clear Path to Excellence  

We promote from within and build careers intentionally. The trajectory from associate to elite trial lawyer is defined, not vague. 

WHY SHEGERIAN & ASSOCIATES

High expectations. Genuine support. 

You won't find a more passionate, driven team. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the people around you will push you to be better. We are mission driven, team first, and unapologetically plaintiff side. We believe in protecting employees' rights not just as a practice area, but as a calling. 

"At Shegerian & Associates, you're surrounded by people who are genuinely invested in your success, colleagues who challenge you, staff who have your back, and leadership that makes time for you." 

If you want a career that matters, this is where you build it. 

WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT STAFF 

Focus on the law. We will handle the rest. 

One of the biggest stressors for litigators is administrative friction. Missed deadlines, service delays, calendar chaos. At Shegerian & Associates, you are backed by an exceptional support team that eliminates that friction entirely so you can stay focused on what you do best: winning for your clients. 

Requirements

Who We're Looking For

An active California Bar member with 1-7 years of litigation experience - employment law background preferred, but what matters most is that you're hungry to try cases and grow. 

You're the right fit if you: 

• Write and argue with precision and confidence 

• Can own a caseload  

• Are genuinely drawn to the courtroom, not just the conference room 

• Have trial or substantial trial-prep experience (a strong plus, not a dealbreaker) 

Benefits

What We Offer: 

• Base salary of $150,000-$170,000 commensurate with experience, plus settlement commissions up to 6.5% per case. Many Shegerian associates out-earn peers at BigLaw and comparable plaintiff firms

• Ownership & Advancement Merit-based path to advancement with real shareholder opportunities - no arbitrary timelines, no politics 

• The Professional Stuff, Covered Bar dues, MCLEs, and referral bonuses are all on the firm. Stay sharp, stay connected, and get rewarded for bringing in colleagues

• Culture You Can Feel Firm-sponsored social and networking events that build real relationships - not just an item on a benefits sheet

• Workplace: Hybrid 

Industry-Leading Benefits: 

• Firm pays 100% of premiums for dental and vision 

• Firm pays 100% of all Silver-level medical plans 

• Firm contributes approximately 10% toward retirement (3% Safe Harbor + 7% Profit Sharing) 

• $500 annual FSA contribution 

• Time for Life: Accrual of 80 hours of PTO (additional 40 hours on 3rd anniversary), sick pay, plus your birthday off as a fully paid day.