ABOUT BURTON KELLEY LLP
Burton Kelley LLP is a proudly women-owned civil litigation firm founded in 2004, recognized by Super Lawyers and known statewide for delivering big-firm results with a collaborative, boutique-firm culture. We are headquartered in San Diego and practice throughout California — from Superior Courts, Federal Courts, to appellate proceedings.
Our trial team has a track record that speaks for itself: back-to-back defense verdicts in complex multi-week bad faith trials, a standing ovation from a jury in Modesto, and summary judgment wins in multiple jurisdictions. We don't just litigate — we win.
We are expanding our coverage and litigation teams and seeking attorneys who are ready to grow into elite litigators in a firm that will actually invest in them.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking Associate Attorneys and experienced coverage/trial counsel to join our growing teams. Whether you are newly licensed or have 10+ years under your belt, we have a role for you. Flexible arrangements are available — full-time, contract, and "of counsel" — structured to fit your life.
Practice Areas You Will Work In:
- Insurance Coverage Analysis & Examinations Under Oath (EUOs)
- Insurance Bad Faith, Rescission & Fraud Defense
- Third-Party Liability Defense
- Professional Liability & Product Liability Defense
- Subrogation & Recovery
- Civil Litigation, Writs & Appeals
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Manage your own caseload under the guidance of a senior attorney or partner
- Research and draft motions, legal briefs, discovery, and coverage opinions
- Attend hearings, mediations, argue motions, take and defend depositions
- Second-chair or lead trials (early trial opportunities available based on experience)
- Engage directly with clients and develop lasting professional relationships
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The ideal candidate brings intellectual curiosity, strong writing skills, and a genuine drive to become a formidable litigator. You thrive when given responsibility and you hold yourself to a high standard. You want mentorship, not micromanagement.
Required:
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active California Bar License in good standing
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat
- Valid driver's license
Preferred (not required):
- Experience in property coverage, bodily injury defense, or bad faith matters
- Deposition, motion, or trial experience
COMPENSATION & WORK ARRANGEMENTS
Salary Range: $100,000 – $170,000+ (DOE)
Job Types: Full-Time | Contract | Of Counsel
Work Location: In-Office, Hybrid, or Fully Remote
Experience Level: 0–10+ Years Welcome
BENEFITS & PERKS
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary + discretionary bonuses and profit sharing
- 401(k) with 3% employer match (even without employee contribution) + vesting
- Firm-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance (with options to add dependents)
- Flexible vacation policy + firm outings and social events
- Quarterly performance bonus plan and year end discretionary bonus
- Bar dues and MCLE reimbursement
- Access to AI-powered legal tools to maximize your efficiency
- In-firm training seminars and professional development opportunities
- Client development opportunities from day one
- Commuter Benefits, FSA/HSA, Caregiver Support, Adoption Assistance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free Calm app access
- On-site wellness and mediation room
- Perks at Work marketplace platform
WHY BURTON KELLEY?
Here, you are not a number. You are a lawyer we are committed to making great.
- Real mentorship from experienced litigators who care about your trajectory
- Early access to trial, motion, and deposition work — not just document review
- A collaborative, collegial team — we work hard and genuinely enjoy each other
- A women-owned firm with a strong culture of inclusion and professional growth
- Partnership opportunities for those who want to build something here
- The flexibility to work in a way that fits your life without sacrificing career advancement
