Law Enforcement Defense Attorney

An established law firm is seeking an experienced Law Enforcement Defense Attorney to join its litigation practice. This position offers the opportunity to handle sophisticated and often high-profile civil litigation matters involving law enforcement agencies and officers. Attorneys in this role will work on complex cases involving officer-involved shootings, excessive force allegations, false arrest claims, civil rights disputes, and constitutional law issues in both state and federal courts. The firm offers meaningful responsibility, direct client interaction, remote work flexibility, competitive compensation, reasonable billable-hour expectations, and annual bonus opportunities. Key Responsibilities Defend law enforcement agencies and individual officers in state and federal court proceedings. Manage a caseload of complex civil litigation matters from inception through resolution. Handle civil rights and constitutional claims arising from law enforcement activities. Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memoranda, and other litigation-related documents. Develop and execute effective discovery strategies, including managing complex discovery matters. Take and defend fact and expert witness depositions. Prepare for and participate in hearings, mediations, settlement discussions, and other litigation proceedings. Work directly with law enforcement clients, agency representatives, experts, and witnesses. Assist with trial preparation, witness preparation, and courtroom strategy. Collaborate with experienced attorneys on sophisticated and high-profile litigation matters. Independently manage assigned cases while contributing effectively within a collaborative litigation team. Required Qualifications Active membership in the California State Bar and in good standing. 3-6 years of litigation experience. Strong understanding of constitutional law, civil rights litigation, and law enforcement-related legal issues. Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills. Deposition and courtroom experience. Strong organizational and case-management abilities. Ability to independently manage litigation matters while working effectively within a team environment. Strong communication and client-relations skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience defending law enforcement agencies or individual officers in civil rights litigation. Experience handling Section 1983 claims and other constitutional claims. Experience with complex civil litigation in state and/or federal court. Experience working directly with government entities or law enforcement clients. Experience managing cases involving excessive force, false arrest, wrongful detention, officer-involved incidents, or related claims. Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: $158,000 - $205,000 annually Annual performance bonus opportunities Billable-hour bonus opportunities Remote work flexibility Comprehensive health insurance benefits 401(k) plan with partial employer matching contribution Professional development and career advancement opportunities Collaborative and supportive work environment Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. The ideal candidate will have 3-6 years of litigation experience , active California Bar admission, and a strong foundation in constitutional law, civil rights litigation, and law enforcement defense matters. Candidates with experience handling Section 1983 claims, representing government entities or law enforcement personnel, and managing complex civil litigation in state and federal courts are strongly encouraged to apply. This role is ideal for an attorney seeking substantial responsibility, exposure to complex and high-profile litigation, and the opportunity to work closely with law enforcement clients while advancing their litigation career within a respected and established practice.