Associate Attorney

About Brayton Purcell LLP:

Brayton Purcell LLP has fought for victims of mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases, artificial stone silicosis, and other illnesses caused by toxic exposure for over 40 years. Brayton Purcell LLP is the nation’s leader in asbestos and artificial stone silicosis litigation. We handle from start to finish more artificial stone silicosis lawsuits than any other firm in the nation, fighting relentlessly for victims harmed by toxic exposure. Our attorneys provide personalized, compassionate representation to guide our clients through complex legal battles and secure justice.

Job title: Associate Attorney--CA, OR, WA

Job Summary: Represents clients in silicosis and/or asbestos personal injury and wrongful death actions, draws up legal documents, attend and take depositions, manage, and advise clients and represent them in various legal proceedings. Duties are expanded as appropriate as experience is gained. Duties are required to be fulfilled within the office or as assigned at various appearances outside of the office.

Essential Functions:

• Attend Plaintiff Depositions. Attorneys must have the ability to travel to and from the Los Angeles County Superior Court Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Depositions are most often set for three days a week but occasionally attorneys are required to be at deposition more than three days a week. Attorneys are also required to travel to depositions both within the state of California and outside the state of California.
• Research defendants in preparation for deposition. Advise clients regarding how to prepare for deposition. Defend clients at deposition. Review documents and/or items provided by client at deposition to determine if they are responsive and/or privileged. Direct paralegal regarding dispositions of documents and/or items.
• Evaluate defendants after deposition to determine if additional defendants should be added and determine if there are defendants who should be dismissed. All recommendations for dismissal must be provided as part of post-deposition summary to the managing partner or senior associate as assigned. Complete deposition summary and other follow up deposition materials in a timely manner.
• Completion of discovery. Prepare an evaluation for each set of discovery assigned by the evaluation due date. Direct that each evaluation be saved in the client directory. Timely submit the evaluation to the managing partner or senior associate as assigned (each set of discovery has an evaluation due date written on it). If it is determined that the discovery is to be responded to, prepare timely responses to discovery, calling clients and co-workers as needed. If it is determined that a dismissal is appropriate, negotiate the dismissal with the defendant and direct the staff person assigned to preparing dismissals to do so.
• Prepare oppositions to Motions for Summary Judgement/Expedited Summary Judgement. Prepare an evaluation for each Motion for Summary Judgement assigned by the evaluation due date. Direct that each evaluation be saved in the client directory. Timely submit the evaluation to the managing partner or senior associate assigned (each motion has an evaluation due date written on it). If it is determined that the motion is to be opposed, prepare a timely opposition, calling clients, experts and co-workers as needed. The opposition is to be submitted in a timely fashion for review by managing partner or assigned senior associate (draft submittal “due” date is written on motion). If it is determined that a dismissal is appropriate, negotiate the dismissal with the defendant and direct the staff person assigned to preparing dismissals to do so.
• Case management. Each attorney is assigned a group of cases to oversee. A case log is provided to each attorney which states the cases assigned. Review case log on a weekly basis. Analyze the strength of each defendant in each case. Design an offensive discovery plan for each case on the log. Meet with the managing partner, or senior associate as assigned, on a bimonthly or monthly basis as needed to present analysis of cases and to confirm what offensive discovery should be pursued. Propound discovery. Be available to answer calls from clients on your log. Be available to discuss assigned cases with paralegal as needed. Be available to respond to discovery issues. Prepare Motions to Compel as needed. Respond to Percipient Witness notices promptly. Contract witnesses to ascertain how they contribute to the case and to determine if they should remain on the witness list.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, via email, and via telephone.
• Attend office meetings. Attend training sessions. Be available in the office to interact with other associates and support staff, Maintain computer skills, database familiarity and continuing education requirements.
• 55 – 60 hour work weeks
• Must be able to complete other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

1.    Juris Doctorate Degree. Must be an active member of the California State Bar.

2.    Bilingual – English and Spanish (Must be fluent in both).

Apply directly to jobposting@braytonlaw.com