Law Enforcement Defense Associate

Law Enforcement Defense Associate

About the Role:

A nationally recognized litigation practice is seeking a Law Enforcement Defense Associate with 3 6 years of litigation experience to join its growing Southern California team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work alongside award-winning trial attorneys representing law enforcement agencies and officers in some of the most complex high-profile and impactful civil rights matters in California.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in civil rights and constitutional litigation excellent advocacy skills and a desire to take on meaningful responsibility from day one. Attorneys in this role will work directly with clients participate in all phases of litigation and gain hands-on experience handling sophisticated matters involving officer-involved incidents excessive force claims false arrest allegations constitutional challenges and other sensitive public sector disputes.

This position offers significant courtroom exposure direct client interaction mentorship from experienced litigators and a clear path for professional growth within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a diverse caseload of civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts.
• Represent law enforcement agencies and officers in civil rights and constitutional litigation matters.
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies for complex and high-profile cases.
• Draft pleadings motions appellate briefs legal memoranda and other litigation-related documents.
• Conduct and defend fact witness expert witness and party depositions.
• Handle complex discovery matters including document review written discovery and discovery motions.
• Prepare cases for mediation settlement conferences hearings and trial.
• Assist with trial strategy witness preparation exhibit management and courtroom advocacy.
• Collaborate closely with supervising partners and litigation teams on case development and execution.
• Interface directly with clients and provide strategic legal guidance throughout the litigation process.
• Monitor legal developments involving constitutional law civil rights litigation and law enforcement liability.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• 3 6 years of litigation experience including significant experience defending law enforcement agencies in civil rights actions in state and federal courts.
• Strong knowledge of constitutional law civil rights litigation and law enforcement-related legal issues.
• Experience handling discovery depositions motion practice and case management.
• Excellent legal research writing drafting and analytical skills.
• Strong oral advocacy and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage matters independently while working collaboratively within a litigation team.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated proactive and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Active admission to the State Bar of California.

Why Join Us:

• Join an award-winning litigation team recognized for excellence in law enforcement defense and civil rights litigation.
• Work on high-profile precedent-setting matters that shape public sector and constitutional law.
• Gain meaningful courtroom experience including depositions hearings trial preparation and appellate work.
• Receive direct mentorship from accomplished litigators with extensive trial and appellate experience.
• Enjoy substantial client interaction and opportunities to develop trusted advisor relationships with public agency clients.
• Take ownership of sophisticated matters while building advanced litigation and advocacy skills.
• Collaborate with a team that values professionalism teamwork innovation and legal excellence.
• Benefit from a culture that supports career development mentorship and long-term advancement.
• Work in an environment that encourages attorneys to take initiative develop leadership skills and make a meaningful impact.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Annual performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Reasonable billable hour expectations.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with partial employer match.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with clear advancement potential.