Associate Attorney- Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking

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.
2. Collaboration & Communication: Works effectively with colleagues and communicates clearly.
3. Initiative: Proactively takes action to achieve results.
4. Professional Growth & Development: Demonstrates ongoing professional growth and seeks opportunities for development.
5. Team Performance & Cohesion: Builds a cohesive and high-performing team.

Additional Information

• This role may require occasional travel for depositions, court appearances, or trial.

Benefits

At Singleton Schreiber, we value the hard work and dedication of our team, and we’re proud to offer a benefits package that reflects that commitment. Our goal is to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance through a wide range of meaningful perks:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• $50,000 in life insurance provided at no cost
• 401(k) plan with 6% dollar-for-dollar employer match after probationary period
• Generous paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or fostering
• Dependent care reimbursement up to $3,500/month
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Up to $5,000 Infertility Treatment reimbursement and
• Up to $5,250/year in tuition reimbursement for professional development
• Monthly commuter reimbursement up to $100 for public transportation
• Home office reimbursement: $150 for a desk, $150 for a chair (one-time)
• $25 work-from-home allowance each pay period for hybrid and remote staff
• State bar and approved professional association dues covered
• $30 Grubhub lunch credit every first Friday of the month
• Community engagement support: matching donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and encouragement of volunteer time

Nondiscrimination Statement

 Singleton Schreiber, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of candidates will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.