Overview As a Litigation Attorney in our civil defense practice, you will manage a diverse caseload focused on defense-oriented matters. You will shape case strategy, drive discovery and motion practice, and represent clients at hearings and trials, while delivering cost-conscious, high-quality service. You will collaborate with insurers, experts, and colleagues to align strategies and mitigate exposure. This role offers the opportunity to mentor junior staff and contribute to a practice focused on impactful defense outcomes. You will work in a team-driven environment that emphasizes practical, client-centric results and ongoing legal growth.
Responsibilities- Manage a full caseload of civil defense matters from intake to resolution (personal injury, trucking defense, premises liability, construction defect).
- Develop case strategies, draft pleadings, motions, and briefs; handle pretrial procedures including discovery, depositions, and expert engagement.
- Represent clients at mediations, hearings, trials, and settlement negotiations; prepare witnesses and present evidence.
- Coordinate with insurers, adjusters, retained experts, and co-counsel to align litigation strategy and control exposure.
- Draft and review contracts, reports, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents with risk focus.
- Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and staff; delegate tasks and review work for accuracy.
- Maintain case files, calendars, and matter budgets; meet billable targets and provide cost-aware representation.
- Identify opportunities for early resolution and ADR, balancing client objectives with risk.
- Stay current on case law, statutory changes, and local rules affecting defense litigation.
Key requirements- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active state bar membership
- Minimum 3-7 years of civil litigation experience with defense-side work (senior roles may require more)
- Experience handling personal injury, trucking defense, premises liability, and construction defect cases preferred
- Prior trial and deposition experience with ability to try cases to verdict and manage proceedings independently
- Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills; experience drafting pleadings, dispositive motions, and appellate filings
- Familiarity with litigation technology and case management systems; proficiency in eDiscovery processes/tools
- Excellent client communication, professional judgment, and ability to coordinate with insurers and experts
- Ability to manage competing priorities, work in a team, and mentor junior staff
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to courts, accident scenes, and client sites as required
- excellent communication
- professional judgment
- team collaboration
- litigation technology
- case management systems
- eDiscovery processes and tools
