Law and Motion Associate

Position: Law and Motion Associate

Location: Hybrid in Los Angeles Costa Mesa or San Francisco but also open to remote anywhere in California

Duration: Fulltime

Role Description

Year of Experience

ideally targeting around 2-5 years post bar admission (maybe could be open to associates with 1-10 YOE)

Scope of Role

Client has an exciting opportunity for a Law and Motion / Appellate attorney with at least 2 years of experience to join our Law and Motion and Appeals Team in one of our California offices!

Our Law and Motion/Appellate Team is the backbone of Manning Kass providing essential written advocacy that strengthens our litigators work across all practice areas. This specialized team of skilled writers plays a crucial role in advancing our clients cases and supporting the firms success. From shaping litigation strategies at the start of a case to crafting effective law-and-motion tactics for both dispositive and non-dispositive motions this dynamic team is integral to trial support and writ work. Associates benefit from collaborative team-based support and work closely with lead attorneys gaining hands-on experience and contributing directly to the success of each case.

Responsibilities

• Draft pretrial motions and oppositions including pleading-related motions discovery motions and dispositive motions.
• Draft trial motions and assist with preparing trial documents including motions in limine trial briefs pocket briefs and jury instructions and verdicts.
• Drafting post-trial motions including motions for new trial and motions for attorneys fees.
• Opportunity to handle appellate cases and conduct appellate arguments including learning from the firms experienced appellate practitioners.
• Conduct legal research and provide recommendations to clients and litigation attorneys on complex legal issues.
• Analyze and assess litigation and appellate strategies.

Must Have:

• Must have DEFENSE experience (not plaintiff side)
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Active membership in California State Bar and in good standing.

Nice to Have:

• Law review or any significant legal writing experience is a plus.
• Exceptional research and writing abilities with strong analytical skills.
• Prior Judicial Clerkship or Externship is a plus.
• Prior criminal defense attorney experience is a plus but not necessary.

• This role is for the intellectual engine or legal writing ninjas. These attorneys are legal chess players who handle the strategic behind-the-scenes work (motions briefs and appeals) rather than courtroom appearances.
• Candidate Profile:
• Personality: Highly analytical likely introverted and detail oriented. The concert pianist / chess club profile.
• Background: Law Review and Judicial Clerkships are very common/highly valued.
• Skills: Extremely strong legal research and writing. Must be able to jump between different subject matters quickly.