General Liability Associate Attorney
$175,000 - $225,000 yearly
- LaFollette Johnson DeHaas Fesler & Ames
- Santa Ana, CA, United States
- Nov 04, 2026
Job Description
*Overview*
Founded in 1965, La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with multiple offices throughout California. Our practice includes medical malpractice, elder abuse, general liability, employment law, and products liability. As we continue to grow and our caseload expands, we are seeking an experienced Defense Litigation Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience handling a broad range of civil litigation matters, including general liability, premises liability, negligent security, product liability, and pharmacy malpractice.
*Job Responsibilities*
* Manage an active caseload from inception through resolution, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
* Develop and execute case strategy based on liability, damages, exposure, and litigation risk.
* Prepare initial assessments, case evaluations, and ongoing status reports for clients and insurance carriers.
* Draft pleadings, discovery, substantive and dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment.
* Conduct legal research using Westlaw to support case strategy and legal arguments.
* Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
* Evaluate cases for settlement and negotiate resolutions with opposing counsel.
* Attend court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
* Retain and work with expert witnesses, including evaluating expert opinions and preparing experts for deposition and trial.
* Prepare for and participate in trial as second chair, including preparation of motions in limine, exhibits, jury instructions, and other pretrial documents.
* Collaborate with senior attorneys on case strategy and litigation preparation
*Qualifications*
* Minimum of 5 years of defense litigation experience
* Active member in good standing with the California State Bar
* Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
* Experience independently managing cases and litigation deadlines
* Strong written and oral advocacy skills
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
* Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
*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.
Pay: $175,000.00 - $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
Application Question(s):
* Are you currently an active member of the State Bar of California, with a license in good standing?
* How many years of experience do you have handling civil defense litigation matters?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Ana, CA 92705
Founded in 1965, La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with multiple offices throughout California. Our practice includes medical malpractice, elder abuse, general liability, employment law, and products liability. As we continue to grow and our caseload expands, we are seeking an experienced Defense Litigation Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience handling a broad range of civil litigation matters, including general liability, premises liability, negligent security, product liability, and pharmacy malpractice.
*Job Responsibilities*
* Manage an active caseload from inception through resolution, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
* Develop and execute case strategy based on liability, damages, exposure, and litigation risk.
* Prepare initial assessments, case evaluations, and ongoing status reports for clients and insurance carriers.
* Draft pleadings, discovery, substantive and dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment.
* Conduct legal research using Westlaw to support case strategy and legal arguments.
* Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
* Evaluate cases for settlement and negotiate resolutions with opposing counsel.
* Attend court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
* Retain and work with expert witnesses, including evaluating expert opinions and preparing experts for deposition and trial.
* Prepare for and participate in trial as second chair, including preparation of motions in limine, exhibits, jury instructions, and other pretrial documents.
* Collaborate with senior attorneys on case strategy and litigation preparation
*Qualifications*
* Minimum of 5 years of defense litigation experience
* Active member in good standing with the California State Bar
* Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
* Experience independently managing cases and litigation deadlines
* Strong written and oral advocacy skills
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
* Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
*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.
Pay: $175,000.00 - $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
Application Question(s):
* Are you currently an active member of the State Bar of California, with a license in good standing?
* How many years of experience do you have handling civil defense litigation matters?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Ana, CA 92705
About LaFollette Johnson DeHaas Fesler & Ames