Law and Motion Associate – Manning Kass

Why a Law‑and‑Motion Associate Role at Manning Kass Is a Career‑Defining Move

In the competitive landscape of California litigation, the Law and Motion Associate position at Manning Kass stands out as a launchpad for ambitious attorneys who want to master the art of persuasive written advocacy while gaining exposure to high‑stakes, multi‑jurisdictional matters. The firm’s reputation for handling complex commercial disputes, class actions, and appellate work means that every motion you draft will be scrutinized by seasoned partners and, more importantly, will shape the trajectory of your legal career.

“Motions are the heartbeat of litigation. Mastering them early in your career gives you a strategic advantage that lasts a lifetime.” – Senior Litigation Partner, Manning Kass

Decoding the Role: What Day‑to‑Day Looks Like

Unlike a generic associate position that spreads you thin across many practice areas, the Law‑and‑Motion track at Manning Kass is laser‑focused. Your typical week will involve:

• Drafting and revising motions – summary judgment, preliminary injunctions, motions to dismiss, and evidentiary motions.
• Conducting deep‑dive legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis, and emerging AI tools to locate precedent that aligns with client objectives.
• Collaborating with senior counsel to develop persuasive arguments that anticipate opposing counsel’s tactics.
• Participating in oral argument rehearsals and, when scheduled, presenting motions before judges.
• Managing case files in the firm’s cloud‑based docketing system to ensure deadlines are never missed.

This blend of written and oral advocacy ensures you graduate from the role with a portfolio of winning motions that can be showcased to future employers or clients.

Strategic Advantages of a Hybrid, Full‑Time Setup

Manning Kass offers a hybrid work model, allowing you to split time between the bustling Los Angeles office and a remote environment. This flexibility translates into three concrete benefits:

• Work‑life integration – You can attend court appearances in person while drafting motions from a home office, reducing commute fatigue.
• Technology fluency – The firm’s investment in secure VPNs, collaborative platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack), and AI‑assisted research tools keeps you at the cutting edge of legal tech.
• Network expansion – Hybrid work encourages you to attend both in‑person networking events and virtual webinars, broadening your professional circle.

Building a Motion‑Centric CV That Stands Out

When you apply for the Manning Kass associate role, your résumé must do more than list duties; it must demonstrate measurable impact. Follow this three‑step framework:

1. Quantify outcomes – Instead of “drafted motions,” write “drafted 12 summary‑judgment motions resulting in 8 favorable rulings, saving clients an estimated $2.3 M in litigation costs.”
2. Highlight research methodology – Mention specific databases, AI tools, or citation‑checking software you mastered.
3. Showcase collaboration – Cite instances where you worked with senior partners to develop a novel legal theory that was later cited by appellate courts.

These details signal to Manning Kass that you already think like a motion strategist, not just a general associate.

Preparing for the Interview: From Case Study to Courtroom Simulation

The interview process at Manning Kass typically includes a traditional Q&A, a written exercise, and a mock oral argument. Here’s how to ace each component:

• Behavioral questions – Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to illustrate your role in past motions. Emphasize teamwork, deadline management, and creative problem‑solving.
• Written exercise – You may be given a fact pattern and asked to draft a motion in 90 minutes. Prioritize a clear issue statement, concise legal authority, and a persuasive narrative flow.
• Mock oral argument – Practice delivering a 5‑minute argument before a colleague acting as a judge. Focus on voice modulation, eye contact (even on video), and anticipating counter‑questions.

Preparation tip: Review recent California Supreme Court decisions on summary judgment and evidentiary standards. Demonstrating familiarity with the latest jurisprudence will set you apart.

Compensation Landscape: Understanding the $130K‑$185K Salary Band

The advertised salary range reflects both experience level and the high‑value nature of motion work in California. To negotiate effectively:

1. Benchmark against peers – Research salaries for motion‑focused associates at other top LA firms (e.g., O’Melveny, Latham & Watkins).
2. Leverage your track record – If you have a history of winning motions, quantify the financial impact and use it as leverage.
3. Consider total compensation – Manning Kass offers health benefits, a 401(k) match, and professional development funds. Factor these into your negotiation.

Long‑Term Career Path: From Associate to Motion‑Practice Leader

Within Manning Kass, the typical promotion timeline is 2‑3 years from associate to senior associate, followed by a potential partnership track after 6‑8 years. Motion‑focused attorneys often transition into:

• Litigation partners who lead high‑profile commercial disputes.
• In‑house counsel roles where motion expertise informs corporate risk management.
• Academia or legal publishing – Many seasoned motion writers become authors of treatises or adjunct professors.

By mastering motions early, you acquire a transferable skill set that is prized across the legal ecosystem.

Networking Inside and Outside Manning Kass

Success in motion practice isn’t just about the written word; it’s about who you know. Leverage these avenues:

• Internal mentorship programs – Seek out senior partners who specialize in appellate and complex commercial motions.
• Bar Association committees – Join the California Bar’s Litigation Section to stay abreast of procedural updates.
• Legal tech webinars – Participate in sessions on AI‑driven brief analysis to showcase your tech‑savvy mindset.

Each connection can translate into referrals, co‑authoring opportunities, or even future lateral moves.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Applicants

To position yourself as the ideal candidate for Manning Kass’s Law‑and‑Motion Associate role, remember these three pillars:

1. Demonstrated motion success – Highlight wins, financial impact, and strategic innovation.
2. Technical proficiency – Show comfort with legal research platforms, AI tools, and remote collaboration software.
3. Strategic career vision – Articulate how this role fits into your long‑term goal of becoming a motion‑practice leader.

When you align your application with these pillars, you not only meet the firm’s baseline requirements but also signal a forward‑thinking, high‑impact mindset that Manning Kass values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be admitted to the California Bar before applying?
A: Yes, admission to the State Bar of California (or a pending admission with a clear timeline) is a mandatory eligibility criterion for this associate position.

Q: Is the hybrid work model mandatory, or can I work fully on‑site?
A: Manning Kass offers a flexible hybrid model. While the firm encourages a blend of remote and in‑office work, you can discuss a fully on‑site arrangement during the interview if you prefer.

Q: What resources does the firm provide for professional development?
A: Associates receive a stipend for CLE courses, access to internal motion‑drafting workshops, and mentorship from senior litigators. The firm also subsidizes attendance at major litigation conferences.

Q: How does Manning Kass evaluate performance for promotion?
A: Performance metrics include the quality and success rate of motions filed, client feedback, business development contributions, and participation in firm‑wide initiatives. Consistently high‑impact motion work accelerates the promotion timeline.