Associate Attorney - Employment and Personal Injury Law

Job Title

Associate Attorney (Litigation)

Position Summary

The Associate Attorney will manage a litigation caseload and support senior attorneys in a small to medium-sized law firm environment. This role includes direct client interaction, case strategy development, written and oral advocacy, discovery practice, motion practice, depositions, negotiation, trial preparation, and trial work. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and communicator who can independently drive matters forward while collaborating effectively with the broader team.

Key ResponsibilitiesClient Representation and Case Management

• Meet with prospective and existing clients to evaluate claims/defenses, explain process and strategy, and maintain ongoing communication.
• Develop case plans, identify key issues, and manage files from intake through resolution (settlement or trial).
• Maintain accurate case documentation and meet internal performance and deadline expectations.

Negotiation and Pre-Suit Resolution

• Draft and negotiate settlement demands and releases; evaluate liability and damages to support resolution strategy.
• Draft persuasive demand letters supported by factual investigation, records review, and legal analysis.
• Communicate with opposing counsel, adjusters, and other stakeholders to advance settlement discussions.

Pleadings and Motion Practice

• Draft complaints, answers, affirmative defenses, and related pleadings.
• Draft and respond to dispositive and non-dispositive motions, including supporting briefs and declarations.
• Argue motions in court and participate in hearings, conferences, and other appearances as required.

Discovery and Depositions

• Prepare written discovery requests and responses (interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission) and manage discovery strategy and deadlines.
• Conduct and defend depositions, including preparing outlines, reviewing key documents, and coordinating witness preparation.
• Work with experts and third-party vendors as needed (e.g., records retrieval, court reporters).

Trial Preparation and Trial Practice

• Prepare cases for trial, including witness preparation, exhibit lists, motions in limine, trial briefs, and pretrial submissions.
• Support and/or lead trial activities such as voir dire support, opening/closing preparation, direct and cross-examination, and evidentiary issues.
• Coordinate trial logistics and collaborate with paralegals and support staff to ensure readiness.

Legal Research and Analysis

• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, case evaluations, and strategy recommendations.
• Monitor relevant legal developments affecting active matters and advise the team on implications.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license in good standing to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction (or ability to obtain promptly, if applicable).
• 1–5+ years of litigation experience (level may be adjusted based on firm need).
• Demonstrated experience drafting pleadings, motions, discovery, and demand packages.
• Strong oral advocacy skills, including comfort appearing in court and taking/defending depositions.
• Excellent writing, organization, and time management skills with consistent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Meaningful trial experience (first-chair or second-chair) and/or arbitration/hearing experience.
• Negotiation experience with documented settlement outcomes.
• Experience in the firm’s practice area (e.g., personal injury, employment, commercial litigation, insurance defense, premises liability, etc.).
• Familiarity with e-filing systems, case management software, and litigation support tools.
• Bilingual capabilities (Spanish/English or other languages) are a plus.

Core Competencies

• Client service mindset and professional presence
• Strong litigation writing and analytical reasoning
• Sound judgment and strategic thinking
• Persuasive negotiation and practical problem-solving
• Ownership, follow-through, and reliability with deadlines
• Collaborative approach with attorneys and support staff

Work Environment and Expectations

• Small to medium firm setting with significant responsibility and hands-on experience.
• Mix of independent case ownership and teamwork on complex matters.
• In-person court appearances, depositions, and travel as required by case needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person