Associate Attorney

La Follette Johnson Dehaas Fesler and Ames

$80K — $120K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of legal experience, ideally in civil defense.
  • Experience in litigation, preferably in medical malpractice, is desirable.
  • License in good standing with the State Bar of California required.
  • J.D. from an accredited law school necessary.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

  • Manage complex medical malpractice defense cases from start to finish.
  • Represent healthcare professionals in various legal proceedings, offering effective legal guidance.
  • Serve as first or second chair in trials, developing compelling case strategies and arguments.
  • Conduct thorough trial preparations and strategize effectively for case management.
  • Assess case value and risk in collaboration with clients for optimal outcomes.
  • Lead settlement negotiations with a strong readiness for trial.
  • Guide clients strategically through litigation, including trial risk analysis and jury selection.

Benefits

  • Associate Bonus Program with unlimited earning potential.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance provided.
  • Employee Assistance Program available.
  • Flexible schedule options.
  • Flexible spending account included.
  • Life insurance coverage offered.
  • Paid time off benefits.
Full Job Description
Position Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from inception through resolution, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, trial, and appeal.
  • Represent physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals in depositions, court hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings, providing sound legal advice to clients.
  • Serve as first- or second-chair trial counsel, building persuasive trial themes, strategy, opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments.
  • Manage trial preparation efforts, developing and executing comprehensive case strategies.
  • Perform case valuation and risk assessment in coordination with clients and insurance carriers, positioning cases for favorable resolution.
  • Appear and argue contested hearings, case management conferences, and evidentiary motions with confidence and professionalism.
  • Direct settlement negotiations and mediations from a position of trial readiness to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Provide strategic guidance to clients throughout the litigation process, including candid assessments of liability exposure, jury selection, and trial risk.
  • Retain, prepare, and strategically position witnesses, including medical experts, and conduct direct and cross-examinations at trial.
  • Prepare and respond to discovery requests, including interrogatories and document production.
  • Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
  • Maintain and update case files, ensuring all documentation is accurate and current.
  • Maintain currency on evolving medical malpractice law, standards, and procedural rules to ensure highly effective advocacy in court.
  • Work collaboratively with other attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff to ensure effective communication, excellent outcomes, and contribute to the firm's culture.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Position Requirements

  • A minimum of three (3) years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense.
  • Litigation experience, preferably in medical malpractice, a plus.
  • Must be licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of our team.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor.


Benefits and Terms
  • Associate Bonus Program with unlimited earning potential
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off

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