Description:

We are seeking an experienced Managing Attorney to assume primary responsibility for the firm's daily legal operations, supervise our legal team, and independently manage civil litigation matters.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished attorney who enjoys both practicing law and leading a legal team. The ideal candidate is an experienced litigator with strong management skills who can take ownership of cases, oversee employees, and ensure the firm operates efficiently without requiring constant supervision.

We are not looking for a traditional associate attorney who simply handles assigned cases. We are looking for a leader who can take responsibility for the firm's day-to-day operations while independently managing a substantial civil litigation caseload.

Key Responsibilities:
Law Firm Management & Leadership

Oversee the firm's daily legal operations and case-management workflow.
Supervise paralegals, legal assistants, administrative personnel, and contract attorneys.
Assign, delegate, and monitor work to ensure timely and accurate completion.
Establish accountability for assignments, deadlines, client communications, and case progression.
Identify and resolve workflow problems, staffing issues, and operational inefficiencies.
Ensure all active matters are properly managed, deadlines are calendared, and necessary work is completed.
Oversee the firm's Clio practice-management system and ensure accurate case records, assignments, and task tracking.
Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding routine legal and operational questions.
Exercise independent judgment in resolving day-to-day issues, escalating significant matters to the firm's owner when necessary.

Civil Litigation

Independently manage civil litigation matters from inception through resolution.
Develop litigation strategies and oversee case progression.
Handle discovery, depositions, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and court appearances.
Supervise and review legal research, pleadings, motions, discovery, and other work prepared by paralegals and contract attorneys.
Manage client relationships and provide legal advice and strategic guidance.
Ensure litigation matters are handled efficiently, competently, and in accordance with applicable deadlines.
Coordinate with the firm's owner regarding significant litigation decisions and high-value matters.

Client Intake & Case Coordination

Oversee the firm's new-client intake and onboarding processes.
Evaluate prospective matters, assess staffing requirements, and coordinate appropriate attorney assignments.
Ensure prospective clients receive timely follow-up and engagement agreements are properly processed.
Supervise client communications and resolve routine client concerns.
Coordinate matters involving criminal defense, family law, probate, and other practice areas, ensuring that substantive legal work is assigned to attorneys with appropriate experience.
Identify matters requiring the firm's owner's involvement and provide organized summaries and recommendations.
Maintain effective communication between attorneys, paralegals, administrative staff, and clients.

Qualifications:
Required:

Active California State Bar membership in good standing.
Substantial civil litigation experience, preferably 8 or more years.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage civil litigation matters.
Strong experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, and litigation strategy.
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff.
Strong professional judgment and ability to make decisions independently.
Ability to manage multiple cases, competing deadlines, and operational priorities.
Comfortable working remotely and managing a distributed legal team.
Willingness and ability to make necessary California court appearances.

Preferred:

Previous experience as a managing attorney, senior litigation attorney, or law firm team leader.
Experience managing law firm operations, employees, and client intake.
Experience with business litigation, contract disputes, commercial litigation, and related civil matters.
Familiarity with family law, probate, or criminal defense.
Experience using Clio or similar legal practice-management software.
Experience supervising contract attorneys and reviewing delegated legal work.

The ideal candidate:
We are looking for someone who:

Takes ownership of problems and resolves them without waiting for instructions.
Enjoys managing people and improving operational efficiency.
Is comfortable making decisions and exercising independent judgment.
Can independently handle civil litigation while supervising the work of others.
Understands the importance of client service, responsiveness, and accountability.
Can effectively delegate without sacrificing quality or oversight.
Is proactive rather than reactive.
Wants a long-term leadership role within a growing law firm.

The successful candidate will be someone the firm's owner can rely upon to keep the practice running efficiently while focusing on selected legal matters, business development, and overall firm strategy.