Senior Associate Attorney

Overview

Founded in 1965, La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with multiple offices throughout California. The Senior Associate Attorney will manage their own caseload, while also collaborating closely with partners, mentors Associates for development, and developing client relations to build client base.

Position summary

The ideal candidate is a seasoned attorney, with proven experience effectively developing clients and representing them at trial.

Primary responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from inception through resolution, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, motion-practice, 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.
• Develop relationships with clients and potential clients, including insurance carriers, hospitals, physicians and others.
• Serve as first- or second-chair trial counsel, building persuasive trial themes, strategy, opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments.
• Lead trial preparation efforts, developing and executing comprehensive case strategies.
• Develop case evaluation and risk assessment strategies in coordination with clients and insurance carriers, positioning cases for favorable resolution.
• Appear and argue in contested hearings, case management conferences, and evidentiary motions with confidence and professionalism.
• Direct settlement negotiations and mediations from a position of trial readiness, leveraging litigation posture to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients throughout the litigation process, including candid assessments of liability exposure, jury appeal, 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.
• Defend and take depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• 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 mastery of evolving medical malpractice law, standards, and procedural rules to ensure highly effective advocacy in court.
• Mentor junior associates in deposition strategy, motion practice, and courtroom presentation, fostering development of trial skills within the team.
• 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.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten (10) years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense.
• A minimum of five (5) years of litigation experience, preferably in medical malpractice.
• 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.
• Ability to build and develop relationships with clients.

Equal opportunity employment

LJDFA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees and volunteers, without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Additionally, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment and to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Job details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay: $150,000.00 – $225,000.00 per year
• Benefits: 401(k), 401(k) matching, Dental insurance, Employee assistance program, Flexible schedule, Flexible spending account, Health insurance, Health savings account, Life insurance, Paid time off, Professional development assistance, Referral program, Vision insurance
• Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Ana, CA 92705