Civil Rights (Police) Litigation Attorney

Job Title

Civil Rights (Police) Litigation Attorney

Location

Fullerton, California

Work Arrangement

Hybrid (Full-Time)

Compensation

$200,000 – $250,000 Base Salary + Annual Billing Bonus

About the Organization

Our client is a dynamic litigation practice handling complex and high-exposure civil rights matters. The firm fosters a high-performance, collaborative environment focused on sophisticated legal defense, rigorous constitutional research, and top-tier trial advocacy, helping public and private entities navigate critical legal challenges.

Role Overview

This is a senior-level legal position focused on managing complex civil rights defense matters and Section 1983 claims from inception through trial and appeal. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will serve as first-chair trial counsel, lead courtroom advocacy, develop comprehensive litigation strategies, and manage litigation budgets for high-exposure caseloads.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation

Case Management

Manage civil rights litigation matters from inception through trial and appeal. Handle complex Section 1983 claims and related constitutional law matters.

Courtroom Advocacy

Represent clients at hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials; prepare and argue critical motions, including dispositive motions and motions in limine.

Discovery

Depositions

Conduct case evaluations, draft pleadings, manage extensive discovery requests/responses, and confidently conduct and defend depositions.

Strategic Collaboration

Coordinate closely with experts, investigators, and other litigation support professionals while maintaining regular, strategic communication with clients.

Operational Oversight

Independently manage case files, strict court deadlines, and comprehensive litigation budgets.

Required Qualifications

Education

Licensing

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar is mandatory.

Core Experience

Minimum

10+ years of dedicated civil rights litigation experience

with a proven ability to independently manage complex cases through resolution.

Section 1983 Expertise

Extensive, demonstrated experience handling complex Section 1983 litigation and structural constitutional law matters.

First-Chair Trial Mastery

Demonstrated first-chair trial experience with deep knowledge of federal and state court procedures.

Trial Competencies

Hands-on experience in trial preparation, jury selection (Voir Dire), direct/cross-examination, and comprehensive witness preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in

Law Enforcement Defense

or

Police Misconduct Defense .

Background handling

Excessive Force Litigation , Wrongful Arrest, and complex Civil Rights Claims.

Familiarity with Public Entity Defense, Government Tort Litigation, or Municipal Law.

Additional Operational Details

Work Arrangement

Competencies

Hybrid Framework

Offers flexibility for remote work, but in-person attendance is strictly required for client meetings, depositions, team meetings, court appearances, and other required legal proceedings.

Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Fullerton office.

Core Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent written/verbal communication, outstanding time-management, and superior client relationship skills.

Compensation, Bonus Structure

Benefits

Billable Hour Requirement

Annual billable requirement of 1,800 hours.

Attorney Bonus Program

Must achieve the annual goal of 1,800 billable hours. Earn $50 per hour for each credited hour worked above the goal (calculated using billable and approved administrative time; capped at 250 hours above goal). Maximum Annual Bonus Opportunity: $12,500.

Perks

Growth

Competitive base salary of $200,000 – $250,000, annual billing bonus opportunity, sophisticated and challenging litigation matters, strong professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package available upon hire.