Litigation Defense Associate — California
$170,000–$215,000 | Remote/Hybrid | Premier Global Law Firm
Exceptional opportunity for a California litigation associate who wants sophisticated defense work, excellent compensation, flexibility, and the opportunity to learn from a fantastic practice partner.
Steffan & Co. is recruiting a Litigation Defense Associate for one of the world’s most prestigious law firms. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a dynamic, highly respected litigation practice and work on sophisticated automotive consumer litigation, product liability, warranty, and lemon law defense matters.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
- Salary: $170,000–$215,000, based on law school graduation year. Salary as follows
- 2024 grad 170k
- 2023 grad $180k
- 2022 grad $190k
- 2021 grad $200k
- 2020 grad $205k
- 2019 and earlier $215k
- Remote opportunity for attorneys located more than 2 hours from the Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Palo Alto offices
- Hybrid schedule — only 2 days in the office for attorneys located within 2 hours of one of those offices
- Client bonus and firm bonus opportunities based on exceeding hours and exclusive work for the client
- Outstanding benefits, including health, dental, life insurance, 401(k), and more
- Work with dynamic, well-respected litigation attorneys
- Receive hands-on mentoring from a fantastic practice partner who is committed to teaching and expanding your litigation skills
- Join a prestigious international firm with an exceptional reputation, strong local connections, and global reach
What You’ll Be Doing
The associate will support the firm’s automotive consumer litigation practice and handle significant aspects of cases from discovery through trial preparation, including:
- Managing discovery requests and responses
- Drafting and arguing motions
- Conducting sophisticated legal research
- Drafting memoranda and correspondence
- Attending hearings and court conferences
- Taking and defending depositions
- Assisting with trial preparation and trial
- Working on product liability, warranty, lemon law, and consumer litigation matters
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- JD from an accredited law school
- Active admission to the California Bar
- Must currently reside in California
- Minimum of 1 year of general litigation defense experience
- Defense-side experience is required — plaintiff-side experience alone will not qualify
- Superior research and analytical abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage responsibilities effectively
A product liability and/or consumer law background is a plus, but not required.
Ready to Make a Move?
If you’re a California litigation defense associate looking for a high-caliber firm, excellent compensation, meaningful litigation experience, flexibility, and exceptional mentorship, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
To be considered, please submit:
- An up-to-date resume
- An unofficial law school transcript
- A recent writing sample (10 pages maximum)
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $170,000–$215,000 per year, based on law school graduation year. The position also offers potential client and firm bonuses, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, life insurance, 401(k), and additional excellent benefits.
Steffan & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion or creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. This non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment.