We are looking for an accomplished litigation attorney to support a busy insurance defense practice in Costa Mesa, California. This Long-term Contract position offers the opportunity to take ownership of active matters, work closely with clients and colleagues, and contribute to cases pending in both state and federal court. The role is well suited to a lawyer who is confident managing litigation from early case assessment through resolution in a collaborative, hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee insurance defense files from initial evaluation through settlement, motion practice, or trial preparation.
• Prepare a wide range of litigation documents, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery responses, legal briefs, and case memoranda.
• Analyze legal issues, research applicable authority, and shape practical strategies that support each stage of the case.
• Conduct and defend depositions involving parties, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses while developing testimony for case advancement.
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, settlement discussions, and other court-related appearances.
• Manage matters filed in California state and federal courts while maintaining compliance with procedural rules and scheduling requirements.
• Develop dispositive motions, pretrial filings, and other materials needed to position cases for favorable outcomes.
• Coordinate communication with clients, insurance carriers, opposing counsel, and court personnel to keep matters moving efficiently.
• Track deadlines, discovery demands, and budget expectations across multiple active litigation matters.
• Provide support on appellate briefing and related post-judgment work when case needs require it.