Civil Litigation Attorney - Primarily Remote in California

Location: Primarily remote within California; in-person attendance required as needed in the greater Sacramento/El Dorado Hills area
Industry: Legal Services - Public Entity Defense and General Civil Litigation
Employment Type: Full-time
Compensation: Approximately $130,000-$200,000, depending on experience
Billable Requirement: 1,750 hours annually

Trueline is seeking California-licensed civil litigation attorneys to join a growing boutique litigation practice based in the greater Sacramento area. The firm is open to attorneys at several experience levels, from junior associates seeking strong mentorship and hands-on development to experienced litigators who can independently manage cases and take on greater responsibility.

The practice focuses on public entity defense and broader civil litigation in both state and federal court. Public entity experience is preferred but not required. Attorneys coming from insurance defense, general liability, employment, civil rights, premises liability, construction defect and other civil litigation practices are encouraged to apply.

This position is primarily remote within California. Attorneys must be available to attend trials, hearings, depositions, mediations and other case-related meetings in person as needed, including in the greater Sacramento and El Dorado Hills area.
What You'll Do

• Manage a varied civil litigation caseload based on your experience level
• Handle matters involving public entity defense and general civil litigation
• Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, dispositive briefs and mediation statements
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies
• Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel and experts
• Take and defend depositions
• Attend hearings, mediations, settlement conferences and trials
• Manage deadlines and cases from intake through resolution
• Work closely with experienced trial attorneys while developing greater case ownership
• Assist with both sophisticated and routine litigation matters as business needs require

What We're Looking For

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar license in good standing
• Recent, hands-on civil litigation experience
• Strong legal research, writing and analytical skills
• Experience with discovery, motion practice and case management
• Deposition, hearing or trial experience appropriate to seniority level
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain organized case files
• Professional judgment and strong client-communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in building a stable, long-term career with a collaborative firm
• Willingness and ability to attend in-person proceedings and meetings as required
• Comfort handling a mix of complex and more routine litigation work

Public entity defense experience is a plus, but the firm is primarily focused on finding strong civil litigators who can learn the practice area and grow with the team.
Experience and Compensation

Compensation will depend on recent, relevant litigation experience, case ownership, deposition and trial exposure, and overall alignment with the role.

• First-year and junior attorneys: Up to approximately $147,000
• Attorneys with approximately 2-3 years of experience: Up to approximately $175,000
• Experienced and senior-level litigators: Up to approximately $200,000

Candidates seeking the higher end of the range should have a consistent record of recent civil litigation, independent case ownership, substantial motion and deposition experience, and meaningful courtroom or trial exposure.
Benefits

• Primarily remote schedule within California
• 1,750 annual billable-hour requirement
• Billable-hour bonuses beginning after 1,750 hours
• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Medical insurance with approximately 75% employer contribution
• 401(k) with a 4% match after one year
• Profit-sharing opportunities
• Direct mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Meaningful deposition, motion and trial exposure
• Long-term growth and potential ownership opportunity

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to practice meaningful litigation without the billable expectations commonly associated with larger firms. Attorneys receive real responsibility, direct mentorship and the opportunity to develop their courtroom skills while maintaining a primarily remote schedule.

The firm has a growing caseload, consistent demand for its services and the ability to hire multiple attorneys when the right candidates are identified. This position is best suited for someone who wants to build a long-term future with a collaborative litigation team, not simply make a short-term move.