Associate Attorney

Robertson, Beasley, Shipley & Robinson PLLC; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Robertson, Beasley, Shipley & Robinson PLLC is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Fort Smith, AR office. The role involves conducting legal research, drafting pleadings and contracts, and advising clients under senior attorney supervision.

You will participate in client meetings, help shape case strategy, negotiate settlements, and prepare matters for hearings and trials in state and federal courts. Strong writing and verbal skills are essential.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with admission or eligibility for Arkansas Bar.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in civil litigation, insurance defense, corporate, or employment law preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, contracts, and other documents.
• Provide clear, practical legal advice to clients under supervision of senior attorneys.
• Participate in client meetings and assist with case strategy and negotiations.
• Prepare matters for hearings, mediations, and trials in state and federal courts.

Skills

Legal research

Client communication

Negotiation

Case analysis

Attention to detail

Time management

Client relationships

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Arkansas Bar admission or eligibility

Job description

Company Description

Robertson, Beasley, Shipley & Robinson PLLC (RBSR) is a full-service law firm with origins dating back to 1893, representing individuals, small businesses, and large corporations in a broad range of legal matters. The firm provides civil advocacy in state and federal courts and advises clients on contract, corporate, commercial, and tax issues. RBSR works closely with business clients on labor and employment law, and supports individuals and business owners in estate planning, trust and probate administration, family law, real estate, and creditor bankruptcy. Several national insurers have relied on the firm for more than 90 years, reflecting its long-standing client relationships. RBSR’s legal professionals draw on extensive trial experience and deep legal knowledge to deliver practical, long-term solutions for clients.

Role Description

The Associate Attorney will work full time on-site in Fort Smith, AR, supporting the firm’s diverse litigation and transactional practice. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing pleadings, motions, contracts, and other legal documents, and providing clear, practical legal advice to clients under the supervision of senior attorneys. The role involves participating in client meetings, assisting with case strategy, negotiating settlements or agreements, and preparing matters for hearings, mediations, and trials in state and federal courts. The Associate Attorney may support work in areas such as labor and employment, commercial disputes, insurance defense, estate planning, and real estate, depending on firm needs. The position also includes collaborating with colleagues, managing deadlines, and maintaining accurate case files and documentation.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Law, with the ability to analyze statutes, case law, and regulations and apply them to client matters.
• Knowledge of Labor and Employment Law, including counseling employers or employees on compliance, policies, and dispute resolution.
• Ability to provide clear, practical Legal Advice to clients, with sound judgment and a client-service mindset.
• Excellent Research skills for case preparation, drafting memoranda, and supporting litigation and transactional work.
• Effective Negotiation skills for settlements, contracts, and resolving disputes in a professional and ethical manner.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission, or eligibility for admission, to the Arkansas Bar.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including precise drafting and confident courtroom or meeting presence.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Commitment to professional integrity, teamwork, and building long-term client relationships.
• 1-2 years prior experience in civil litigation, insurance defense, corporate, or employment law is preferred