Associate Attorney- Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking

Description

Role Overview

The Associate Attorney on the Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Team plays a critical role in developing and litigating complex, survivor-centered cases. This position is responsible for managing cases from intake through trial, building strong liability and damages theories, and advocating for survivors with a trauma-informed approach. The role requires strategic thinking, strong litigation skills, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with care while delivering high-quality legal work.

This position is open to candidates based in San Diego.

Salary

• $ 120,000- $155,000 annually
• Actual salaries will vary and will be based on various factors, such as location, skills, experience, and qualifications for the role.

Key Responsibilities

The Big Picture

• Manage a caseload of sexual assault and human trafficking matters from intake through resolution or trial.
• Develop and execute litigation strategy, including case themes, liability theories, and damages models.
• Advocate for survivors using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach.
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and investigators to build strong, evidence-driven cases.
• Contribute to case strategy, institutional accountability theories, and pattern-and-practice development.

Specific Tasks

Case Development & Strategy

• Review intake materials to identify viable claims, defendants, and statutes of limitation.
• Analyze liability, causation, and damages; develop case chronologies and themes.
• Identify missing evidence and investigative needs.
• Build institutional notice, ratification, and pattern-and-practice arguments.
• Anticipate defenses and develop strategies to overcome them.

Client Work

• Conduct client meetings and ongoing communications.
• Prepare clients for all stages of litigation (filing, discovery, depositions, mediation, trial).
• Provide clear, consistent updates on case status.
• Build trust using trauma-informed, non-retraumatizing communication practices.

Investigation

• Interview witnesses and coordinate evidence collection.
• Obtain and analyze police, medical, therapy, school, employment, and institutional records.
• Investigate prior complaints, policies, and institutional failures.
• Work with investigators and staff to develop factual records.

Pleadings & Motion Practice

• Draft complaints, amended complaints, and dispositive/opposition motions.
• Prepare motions in limine and other pretrial filings.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on key legal issues.
• Track deadlines and ensure timely, high-quality filings.

Discovery

• Draft and respond to interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, and subpoenas.
• Analyze incoming discovery and manage strategy to develop liability and damages evidence.
• Draft meet-and-confer correspondence and motions to compel or for protective orders.

Depositions

• Prepare outlines for party, witness, expert, and PMK/30(b)(6) depositions.
• Defend plaintiff depositions and take or second-chair depositions.
• Summarize testimony and identify key admissions.
• Develop impeachment materials and follow-up discovery.

Expert Work

• Identify and retain appropriate experts (e.g., trauma, psychology, institutional abuse, damages).
• Prepare expert materials, disclosures, and deposition/trial preparation.

Mediation & Settlement

• Draft mediation briefs and demand packages.
• Prepare damages analyses and liability summaries.
• Assist in evaluating settlement positions and updating case value.
• Prepare clients for mediation.

Trial Preparation & Trial

• Draft jury instructions, verdict forms, and trial briefs.
• Prepare witness outlines, examinations, and exhibits.
• Organize trial materials, timelines, and demonstratives.
• Assist with trial logistics and participate as first- or second-chair, depending on experience.

Team Coordination

• Collaborate with paralegals, case assistants, investigators, and senior attorneys.
• Delegate tasks while maintaining ownership of case strategy.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.
• Communicate risks, deadlines, and strategic decisions to leadership.

Survivor-Centered Responsibilities

• Apply trauma-informed practices in all client interactions.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and care.
• Maintain awareness of confidentiality and privacy issues.
• Balance strong advocacy with emotional intelligence and client well-being.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in California.
• 3+ years of litigation experience (civil litigation preferred; plaintiff-side or complex litigation a plus)
• Experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation
• Strong legal research and writing skills

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe
• Experience with legal and e-discovery platforms such as ShareFile, PACER, CaseAnywhere, Lexis, SmartAdvocate, Everlaw, Filevine, and OneLegal

Core Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and complex cases
• High attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Competencies

1. Performance & Contributions: Consistently delivers quality results and meets or exceeds job requirements.