Job Details

Litigation Associate (Plaintiff-Side Product Liability / Asbestos – Mesothelioma)

Role Title & Structure: The position is titled Litigation Associate, though the firm is seeking an experienced attorney at the Of Counsel / Senior Counsel Senior Associate level. Internally, attorneys are classified exclusively as Associates or Partners. Associates are compensated through base salary and bonus and do not serve as first chair at trial. Partnership is achieved only through internal promotion. Partners handle trials and are eligible for commission on case settlements. There has been internal conversation among managing attorneys about offering commission to Associates; this may or may not occur, but discussions are ongoing.

Practice Focus: This firm does not handle personal injury law. However, there is a strong transition path from PI litigation or other plaintiff-side complex product liability matters into asbestos/mesothelioma litigation. Defense attorneys will be considered, though conflicts may limit eligibility.

Compensation & Benefits Summary:

• Base Salary: $130,000 – $250,000 (higher end for senior-level candidates with strong tenure, not job jumpers; prior asbestos/mesothelioma experience is not required; commensurate with experience)
• Bonus: Performance-based, tied to cases closed throughout the year
• Benefits:
• Health, Dental & Vision (100% of individual & family premiums covered)
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k) with 3%+ employer contribution
• 20 days PTO + Holidays
• Paid Parking
• Additional comprehensive benefits

Travel: Approximately 8 trips per month, primarily 1–2 night trips, with some local day trips. Occasional national travel may be required. Travel is primarily client-facing, including depositions, trial support, and team collaboration.

About the Firm: Our client is a nationally recognized plaintiffs' law firm focused exclusively on mesothelioma (asbestos) litigation, with over 70 attorneys and 300+ years of combined experience. The firm manages 2,000+ cases nationwide and is widely regarded as a leader in this highly specialized practice area. All attorneys within the firm are either Associates or Partners.

The Role: As a Litigation Associate based in Oakland, CA, you will receive comprehensive training in asbestos/mesothelioma product liability litigation (if transitioning from PI or related practices) and quickly take ownership of active cases.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing assigned caseloads (typically 15–18 cases, depending on complexity)
• Drafting and responding to written discovery
• Taking and defending depositions
• Motion practice and legal advocacy
• Trial participation as second chair (Partners lead trials)
• Extensive client interaction with individuals and families during critical periods
• Prior trial experience is helpful but not required. Empathy, professionalism, and strong client communication skills are essential.

Qualifications:

• 1 or more years of related work experience as an attorney (will consider attorneys far into their careers as well)
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active California Bar admission
• Background in medical-related litigation, plaintiff-side PI, or related litigation preferred
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to plaintiff advocacy with sound professional judgment