Law Enforcement Defense Attorney

Burke, Williams & Sorensen is a full-service law firm with deep expertise in litigation that provides high-quality legal services to public agencies, private entities, and individuals throughout California. Burke offers a collaborative environment where attorneys work alongside seasoned practitioners to deliver effective and strategic representation.

We are seeking an associate with 3–6 years of experience to join the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and work as part of our expanding team of award-winning Law Enforcement Defense litigators. The Law Enforcement Defense team represents law enforcement agencies and their officers in a wide range of high-profile cases, including officer-involved shootings, allegations of excessive force and false arrest, and complex constitutional matters. The ideal candidate will possess excellent research, writing, and analytical skills and will be prepared to engage in the following duties.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience defending law enforcement agencies in civil rights actions in both state and federal court
• Well-rounded skills, including an aptitude for research and writing, as well as an interest in depositions and trial advocacy
• Strong knowledge of constitutional law, civil rights litigation, and law enforcement issues
• Excellent writing, research, drafting, and analytical skills
• Strong work ethic, self-starter mentality, and team-oriented mindset
• Ability to manage matters independently and interface directly with clients
• Admission to the State Bar of California

The associate will be expected to:

• Maintain a case load of civil litigation in both state and federal courts working closely with a supervising partner
• Oversee complex discovery issues in high-profile litigation
• Participate in trial preparation and support
• Conduct and defend depositions
• Interface directly with clients
• Draft motions, appellate briefs, and research memos

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $158,000 – $205,000 plus annual performance-based bonuses.  The actual salary within that range will depend on the selected candidate’s years of practice and experience.  We encourage all interested candidates to apply.  The firm offers a hybrid work arrangement option, reasonable billable hours requirement, annual discretionary and billable hours bonuses, competitive health insurance benefits, and 401(k) with a partial match.

We promote an environment that encourages attorneys to grow within the firm and advance their careers. Burke supports integrity, diversity, professional growth, and personal fulfillment for everyone at the firm.