Litigation Associate Attorney (Insurance Defense / ERISA / ESOP)

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Rare hybrid role: core litigation plus exposure to ESOP advisory and ERISA litigation defense
• Build long-term client relationships with room to grow and advance
• Strong comp range for Napa: $130,000–$150,000plus comprehensive benefits
• Work alongside experienced litigators and corporate attorneys with recognized depth in this niche
• Excellent professional development support: training, CLE reimbursement, marketing budgets, bonuses

Location:

• On-site in Napa, CA

Note:

• Must be actively licensed in California
• Must have 3+ years litigation experience (ideal range is 3+ through 5 years)
• Insurance defense and liability litigation experience is strongly preferred
• ESOP, ERISA, employee benefits, or corporate transactions exposure is a plus (not required)

About Our Client

• Our client is a national defense litigation firm known for high-stakes disputes nationwide and a long-tenured, professional team culture. This Napa-based role is uniquely positioned to support both litigation matters and a specialized ESOP and employee benefits practice.

Job Description

• Manage litigated claims and drive case progress from start to finish
• Handle trial prep: strategy, discovery, records review, client and witness preparation
• Take and defend depositions and manage key witness development
• Draft and argue motions and attend hearings
• Communicate directly with clients and support relationship building
• Draft settlement agreements and other contracts as needed
• Support non-litigation corporate work including ESOP formation, related transactions, and executive compensation matters
• Collaborate across litigation and corporate stakeholders while maintaining high quality and responsiveness

Requirements

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license in good standing
• 3+ years litigation experience (insurance defense, premises liability, products liability, property damage preferred)
• Strong writing, research, and practical judgment
• Client-focused, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Benefits

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Unique mix of litigation and business-facing work that expands your long-term career options
• Strong stability, mentorship, and professional standards
• Bonuses and merit-based advancement opportunities
• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life, disability, parental leave, 401(k), and profit sharing

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance