Civil Litigation Associate

An established San Mateo law firm is currently seeking a Full-Time Civil Litigation Attorney to independently oversee the day-to-day file handling. The Civil Litigation Attorney candidate must have experience in all phases of litigation, including taking party and expert depositions, drafting summary judgments and trial preparation. The attorney will support the Partner and other associates in file handling, appearances, depositions, discovery, calendaring and scheduling. As an associate attorney you will also delegate tasks to the Paralegals, Client Service Coordinator, Clerical and File Assistants. This position is a full-time position.

The Civil Litigation Attorney participates in the firm’s overall mission by providing cost-effective legal services. The ideal candidate is a person who can work independently, meets deadlines and can make our customer experience a great one.

Founded in 1953, McDowall Cotter is a San Mateo based law firm that provides a common-sense approach to legal services in the practice areas of civil litigation, business and wealth preservation. The setting is a professional office in San Mateo on the Foster City border where highways 92 and El Camino Real meet. We value company culture and have many firm activities including weekly firm lunches together to make the work environment professional, yet comfortable.

Ideal Candidate:

• Charismatic, trustworthy, team player and pro-active
• Mature, responsible and someone who values personal growth
• Able to take the big picture view and contribute to positive situation outcomes
• High attention to details, common sense approach and need little supervision
• Someone that will go the extra mile, a self-starter
• Able to handle the pressure
• Willingness to work outside typical hours, as necessary

Essential Functions:

• Initial case analysis of claims and investigation file
• Written status reporting of file, including analysis of how discovered information and procedure affect case.
• Preparation/Review of pleadings, law and motion (particularly Motions for Summary Judgment)
• Preparing/drafting Special Interrogatories, Requests for Production, Requests for Admission; PMK deposition notices, preparing clients for depositions, taking depositions, defending depositions.
• Prepare case management conference statements, appearing at case management conferences
• Prepare briefs and attend ADR proceedings.
• Legal Research
• Prepare Motions, draft Points and authorities, Declarations of attorneys

Subject Matter Experience Preferred

• Public Entity defense work including dangerous condition of public property, negligent conduct of government employees, Civil Rights 1983 Actions
• Automobile and Premises Liabiilty Defense
• Commercial General Liability Defense
• Probate and Trust Litigation

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Qualifications:

• Must be a member of California Bar
• Graduate of accredited law school
• Experience: 3 years’ experiences in a legal environment
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure and evidence desired
• Understanding trial litigation practices and procedures. Research, writing and analysis skills.
• Knowledge, Understanding, and experience of Law and Motion and Discovery (California Discovery Statutes)
• Ability to prepare litigation budget
• Knowledge of California Personal Injury Liens, Medicare or Howella plus.
• Knowledge of Trust and Probate litigation a plus.

Skill/Aptitudes:

• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Proficient computing skills especially in the use of MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.)
• Proficient in using Clio or other Case Management Software.
• Proficient in using Acrobat
• Proficient in using legal billing software
• Proficient in using HotDocs base programs (for bother Judicial Council Forms and CACI Jury Instructions).
• Proficient in using Electronic Filing in Federal Courts
• Dragon Naturally speaking software

Competitive compensation salary based upon experience with performance based bonus, 1550 minimum billed hours. Benefits include 401k plus match, profit sharing pension plan, medical benefits, supplemental dental, vision, life and disability, vacation, sick leave, and reimbursement for continuing education. We believe in providing our employees with first-class benefits.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.