Managing Attorney (Civil Litigation)

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Sacramento, CA (In-person)
Reports to: CEO
Salary Range (DOE): 210k –270k + discretionary bonus

Purpose

To lead and optimize a high-performing plaintiff trial team specializing in civil litigation. Drive exceptional case outcomes and firm profitability through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and talent development.

About Us

At York Law Firm, we advocate for victims and families in complex civil matters, especially elder abuse, wrongful death, healthcare/long-term care negligence, and related cases. Our mission is to uncover neglect and fraud, hold bad operators accountable, and deliver justice with urgency and compassion. We combine litigation, ethical advocacy, and operational excellence to achieve meaningful results for the communities we serve.

About the Role

We’re seeking a seasoned civil litigator, a plaintiff’s attorney who has tried cases, has a disciplined approach to case work up for trial success. This attorney is now ready to bring their litigation and trial experience into a managing attorney role, actively managing attorneys and analyzing case work up to drive legal team and trial success. In this role, you’ll analyze case metrics to manage case direction, mentor attorneys to elevate their litigation and trial skills. The managing attorney will partner closely with Operations to streamline workflows and improve outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Business-Minded Plaintiff’s Litigation Leadership

• Demonstrates strong business acumen in managing a contingency-fee–based practice, with a focus on firmwide financial performance and operational efficiency.
• Leverages technology to improve litigation workflows, case management, and team productivity.
• Drives cases proactively toward trial or favorable settlement, ensuring consistent forward momentum and avoiding unnecessary delays.
• Utilizes a strategic, value-driven approach to discovery, identifying key information that strengthens liability, damages, and overall case value.
• Prioritizes timely, successful case resolution by implementing systems and strategies that accelerate progress without compromising quality.
• Set the tone for the legal team, leading by example and maintaining accountability.
• Model professional excellence, accountability, and mentorship.
• Provide structured feedback, set development goals, and support training programs.
• Hold ultimate responsibility for legal outcomes, decision-making, and firm-wide oversight.
• Exercise authority over hiring, performance management, and, when necessary, termination.
• Uphold firm values and standards. Protect the firm’s reputation and exercise sound judgment under pressure.

Litigation Strategy & Case Leadership

• Own case strategy from intake through trial; conduct risk assessments, budget/scoping, and settlement posture.
• Review and refine pleadings, motions, discovery plans, and evidentiary strategy; ensure consistent, high-quality work product.
• First-chair or supervise key proceedings (motions, mediations, MSCs, and trial), as needed.

Attorney Coaching & Trial Readiness

• Coach associates and trial attorneys on deposition planning and execution.
• Lead trial-skills development: openings/closings, expert work-ups, and jury instructions.
• Conduct regular case “readiness” reviews.

Financial & Business Acumen

• Own financial performance and understand firm economics.
• Analyze cost versus return and case value versus effort.
• Maintain awareness of contingency-based practice, revenue, expenses, and profitability.
• Apply a multiplier mindset to scale the business and employees.

Quality, Research & Writing

• Provide clear, practical legal advice grounded in thorough research and analysis.
• Elevate written advocacy (motions, briefs, MSJs, objections) through structured feedback and templates.

Hearings & Client Advocacy

• Represent clients in hearings, mediations, and other proceedings; drive principled, effective negotiation strategies.
• Maintain strong client relationships; communicate proactively on case status, risks, and next steps.

People Management & Workflow Optimization

• Collaborate with Operations to improve intake, discovery, calendaring, and trial prep workflows (SOPs, checklists, processes).
• Partner with legal ops to leverage document management, tasking, and analytics; monitor deadlines and throughput.
• Contribute to staffing plans, capacity management, and vendor coordination (e.g., experts, court reporters, and other vendors).
• Mentor and train junior and senior attorneys.
• Foster a coaching mindset and provide structured feedback.
• Directly address and resolve conflicts with emotional intelligence.
• Champion a positive, growth-oriented culture.

Qualifications

• J.D. and active California Bar membership in good standing.
• 10–12+ years of civil litigation experience on the plaintiff’s side, with meaningful trial exposure (first- or second-chair) and deep deposition practice.
• Supervisory/Management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to coach attorneys through discovery, depositions, dispositive motions, and trial.
• Proven legal research and analysis; excellent written and oral advocacy.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience resolving disputes efficiently.
• Outstanding organizational, analytical, and time-management abilities.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, team-led environment; fosters cross-functional collaboration.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Judgment: Aligns case strategy with client objectives and realistic risk assessments.
• Coaching Mindset: Elevates others through structured feedback, modeling, and repeatable frameworks.
• Operational Discipline: Builds and enforces SOPs, checklists, and timelines to ensure flawless execution.
• Communication: Clear, respectful, and timely, internally, with employees, clients, courts, and counterparties.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholds ethical standards and cultivates trust.

Success Metrics (What Success Looks Like)

• Improved deposition and trial outcomes.
• Reduced time-on-desk and fewer deadline exceptions via stronger workflows and calendars.
• Measurable uplift in attorney and team performance (writing quality, hearing prep, trial readiness).
• Positive client feedback and sustained matter profitability within scoped budgets.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) with employer contribution available after one year of employment.
• Professional development opportunities and training support.
• PTO

Additional Requirements

• Must have reliable transportation, valid CA driver’s license, and a clean, insurable driving record.
• physical ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds, as well as perform typical office‑related physical tasks as needed.
• Employment contingent on successful background check.

EEO Statement

York Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Interview Process Notice:

Candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process are required to complete a Wedge interview, which consists of a short series of recorded video responses to pre‑assigned questions. The Wedge interview must be completed within three (3) calendar days of receipt. All responses are confidential and reviewed solely by the hiring team. Candidates who advance beyond the Wedge interview stage may be required to complete a Predictive Index (PI) assessment as part of the evaluation process.

Failure to complete any required interview or assessment within the designated timeframe will result in disqualification from further consideration.

*As a part of our hiring process and in accordance with applicable laws, York Law Firm will conduct a lawful background check after a conditional offer of employment is made. This background check may include verification of employment history, education, professional licenses, and references. For roles where legally permissible, consumer credit report and/or driving record may also be reviewed.

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