Position 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.

Position Requirements

• 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.