About Role

Robert Half is thrilled to partner with one of California's premier insurance coverage firms in Orange County to present an exceptional opportunity for an Associate Attorney. This position offers a rare combination of stability, intellectual challenge, and work-life balance in the competitive legal market of Irvine, California. With only 1600 billable hours required and every billable hour compensated at $145/hour, this role stands out for attorneys seeking high compensation without the burnout of traditional big law demands.

This is a hybrid role with very remote flexibility, based out of a centrally located Irvine office. There's no rigid in-office requirement, allowing you to thrive from home while accessing the firm's resources as needed. Join a stable team of attorneys specializing in insurance coverage counseling and defending insurers against bad faith claims. The firm is known for tackling novel, intellectually stimulating cases that help shape insurance law precedents across California state and federal courts.

As an Associate Attorney, you'll defend complex civil litigation matters, gaining exposure to high-stakes disputes that demand sharp analytical skills and strategic thinking. This isn't just another defense gig—it's a chance to grow with a firm that values collaboration, invests in your development, and rewards performance generously.

Key Responsibilities

Team-Based Case Management

The firm employs a unique two-attorney-per-file model, ensuring no one handles a case from A-Z alone. You'll start by partnering with seasoned attorneys on about 15 active cases, progressively driving more of the strategy as you gain experience and firm trust.

Core Litigation Duties

• Manage discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
• Handle extensive motion practice, such as MSJs, demurrers, and appeals—ideal for those with a heavy writing background.
• Make court appearances in state and federal courts statewide.
• Conduct thorough coverage analysis to support insurer defenses.
• Prepare for trials; the firm actively litigates, with trial volume varying (e.g., five in 2022, one-two in 2023).

This role emphasizes law and motion work, offering ample opportunity to hone advocacy skills in dynamic environments.

Required Qualifications

To excel, candidates should be California Bar-licensed attorneys with demonstrated experience in complex civil litigation, preferably in insurance coverage or bad faith defense. Key traits include:

• Strong legal research and writing prowess, especially for motions and appeals.
• Comfort with discovery-intensive practices and deposition experience.
• Team player mindset, thriving in collaborative settings.
• Ability to manage a robust caseload while meeting 1600 billables.
• Passion for novel cases that influence insurance law.

Prior exposure to state/federal courts in California is a plus, as is any trial experience.

Why Join Us

Beyond the compelling responsibilities, this role offers unmatched perks tailored for long-term success. Earn $120,000-$165,000 base salary, plus $145/hour on billables (only 1600 required), discretionary bonuses, and profit-sharing via 401k. Enjoy unlimited PTO—the entire firm takes multiple vacations annually. Medical coverage is provided, and the remote-flexible setup supports work-life harmony.

Robert Half places you with a firm that's stable, innovative, and attorney-focused. In Irvine's booming legal hub, this is your gateway to shaping insurance law while enjoying competitive pay and flexibility. Apply now to elevate your career with Robert Half's trusted partners!