Mass Tort / Toxic Tort (Asbestos) Associate (West Coast)

This is a full-time associate attorney seat on the California mass tort and toxic tort team at a national, AV-rated insurance defense firm with more than 160 attorneys across eight states. The firm has a strong reputation for tenacious defense work and long-standing client relationships built on trust. The role centers on asbestos defense litigation and is a high-priority hire; trial experience is specifically called out as a major plus. You will own your caseload from inception through resolution rather than being siloed into motions or discovery alone, and you will communicate directly with clients and drive case strategy independently. Compensation includes a base of $130,000 to $170,000 depending on experience, plus a quarterly bonus ranging from 1.25% to 4.25% of base salary tied to billable hours, with an annual billing target of approximately 1,950 hours. No book of business is required.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated civil defense litigator with two to eight years of mass tort, toxic tort, or asbestos defense experience who holds an active California bar license in good standing. You are comfortable managing a full caseload independently, have hands-on deposition experience on both sides of the table, and are confident drafting motions and navigating written discovery. Any trial experience in asbestos or toxic tort matters will make your profile stand out immediately. You come from the defense side; plaintiff-side-only backgrounds are not a fit for this role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage a full caseload of asbestos and toxic tort defense matters from inception through resolution, handling up to approximately 20 cases simultaneously
2. Draft and respond to motions, complaints, and written discovery across all stages of litigation
3. Take and defend depositions in asbestos and toxic tort cases
4. Attend hearings, mediations, and trials as needed, representing clients directly
5. Develop and execute case strategy independently while keeping clients informed throughout
6. Coordinate with the practice group team on complex matters and contribute to group knowledge on asbestos defense trends
7. Meet an annual billable hours target of approximately 1,950 hours

Required Skills & Experience

• Active California bar license in good standing
• JD from an ABA-approved law school
• 2 to 8 years of civil defense litigation experience, specifically in mass tort, toxic tort, or asbestos defense
• Defense-side background only; plaintiff-side-only experience is not a fit
• Experience managing a caseload of up to 20 matters simultaneously
• Deposition experience, both taking and defending
• Proficiency in motion drafting and written discovery practice
• Self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision
• California-based and able to work Pacific hours

Preferred Skills

• Trial experience in asbestos or toxic tort cases (called out as a high priority plus by the hiring team)
• Mediation or trial preparation experience beyond deposition work
• Background at a firm with a dedicated asbestos or toxic tort defense practice, such as Lewis Brisbois, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Wilson Elser, Hawkins Parnell, Walsworth, Foley Mansfield, or Klinedinst
• Stable employment history with tenure that reflects commitment to prior roles