Job Title: Civil Rights (Police) Litigation Attorney
Location: Fullerton, California
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Full-Time)
About the Organization
Our client is a dynamic litigation practice handling complex and high-exposure civil rights matters. The firm fosters a high-performance, collaborative environment focused on sophisticated legal defense, rigorous constitutional research, and top-tier trial advocacy, helping public and private entities navigate critical legal challenges.
Role Overview
This is a senior-level legal position focused on managing complex civil rights defense matters and Section 1983 claims from inception through trial and appeal. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will serve as first-chair trial counsel, lead courtroom advocacy, develop comprehensive litigation strategies, and manage litigation budgets for high-exposure caseloads.
Key Responsibilities
- Litigation & Case Management: Manage civil rights litigation matters from inception through trial and appeal. Handle complex Section 1983 claims and related constitutional law matters.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Represent clients at hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials; prepare and argue critical motions, including dispositive motions and motions in limine.
- Discovery & Depositions: Conduct case evaluations, draft pleadings, manage extensive discovery requests/responses, and confidently conduct and defend depositions.
- Strategic Collaboration: Coordinate closely with experts, investigators, and other litigation support professionals while maintaining regular, strategic communication with clients.
- Operational Oversight: Independently manage case files, strict court deadlines, and comprehensive litigation budgets.
Required Qualifications
- Education & Licensing: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar is mandatory.
- Core Experience: Minimum 10+ years of dedicated civil rights litigation experience with a proven ability to independently manage complex cases through resolution.
- Section 1983 Expertise: Extensive, demonstrated experience handling complex Section 1983 litigation and structural constitutional law matters.
- First-Chair Trial Mastery: Demonstrated first-chair trial experience with deep knowledge of federal and state court procedures.
- Trial Competencies: Hands-on experience in trial preparation, jury selection (Voir Dire), direct/cross-examination, and comprehensive witness preparation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in Law Enforcement Defense or Police Misconduct Defense.
- Background handling Excessive Force Litigation, Wrongful Arrest, and complex Civil Rights Claims.
- Familiarity with Public Entity Defense, Government Tort Litigation, or Municipal Law.
Additional Operational Details:
Work Arrangement & Competencies
- Hybrid Framework: Offers flexibility for remote work, but in-person attendance is strictly required for client meetings, depositions, team meetings, court appearances, and other required legal proceedings. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Fullerton office.
- Core Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent written/verbal communication, outstanding time-management, and superior client relationship skills.
Compensation, Bonus Structure & Benefits
- Billable Hour Requirement: Annual billable requirement of 1,800 hours.
- Attorney Bonus Program: Must achieve the annual goal of 1,800 billable hours. Earn $50 per hour for each credited hour worked above the goal (calculated using billable and approved administrative time; capped at 250 hours above goal). Maximum Annual Bonus Opportunity: $12,500.
- Perks & Growth: Competitive base salary of $200,000 – $250,000, annual billing bonus opportunity, sophisticated and challenging litigation matters, strong professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package available upon hire.
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