Associate Attorney | Healthcare Litigation Defense

Overview

Founded in 1965, La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with multiple offices throughout California. La Follette Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames seeks highly motivated Associate Attorneys to join our Los Angeles office in Glendale, California. Ideal candidates will have at least three years of legal experience, preferably in civil litigation. In this role, attorneys will work closely with experienced partners in defending healthcare providers and institutions in complex medical negligence and professional liability litigation.

Position Summary

The Associate works on cases in the defense of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers. The incumbent contributes to and executes comprehensive case strategy, client communication, and risk assessment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and advocacy.

Position Responsibilities

• Co-managing a caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from inception through resolution, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, motion-practice, trial, and appeal.
• Represents physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals in depositions, court hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings, providing sound legal advice to clients.
• Assist and serve as second-chair trial counsel depending on experience, building persuasive trial themes, strategy, opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments.
• Manage trial preparation efforts, developing and executing comprehensive case strategies.
• Perform case evaluation and risk assessment in coordination with clients and insurance carriers, positioning cases for favorable resolution.
• Appear and argue contested hearings, case management conferences, and evidentiary motions with confidence and professionalism.
• Direct settlement negotiations and mediations from a position of trial readiness to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients throughout the litigation process, including candid assessments of liability exposure, jury selection, and trial risk.
• Retain, prepare, and strategically position witnesses, including medical experts.
• 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.
• Remain current on evolving medical malpractice law, standards, and procedural rules to ensure highly effective advocacy in court.
• 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

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 3 years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense, with litigation experience in medical malpractice considered a plus. They are licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California.

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: $125,000.00 - $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 litigation matters?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Glendale, CA 91203