Associate Attorney

Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

401(k) plan with employer matching

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

The Indianapolis office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP is seeking an associate attorney to join our defense team. You will handle a range of insurance defense matters, work with experienced litigators, and contribute from day one to depositions, pleadings, and trial preparation.

We value a J.D. with Indiana Bar admission and 1–4 years of litigation experience, preference for candidates who manage their own cases, and a supportive environment offering meaningful

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with J.D., and admission to the Indiana State Bar required
• Minimum 1-4 years of experience in insurance defense or related setting
• Preference to those managing their own cases
• Litigation experience required

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex legal issues and conduct extensive legal research to support defense strategies.
• Prepare pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, and briefs for defense.
• Provide timely communications and legal advice to clients and claims teams.
• Communicate with the court, witnesses, opposing counsel, and co-counsel per office procedures.
• Responsible for prompt, efficient disposition of assigned cases.
• Assist in presenting witnesses and evidence at trials and hearings.

Skills

Litigation experience

Education

J.D. with Indiana State Bar admission

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Our commitment to your development includes:

Culture of Growth

A collaborative, inclusive environment where learning is part of daily practice.

Substantive Legal Training

Structured mentorship from experienced litigators, with regular and constructive feedback to support your development.

Technology & Data Literacy

Hands-on training in the evolving legal tech landscape, data analysis tools, and the platforms that are reshaping how litigation is practiced.

Career Development Planning

Clear expectations, defined milestones, and transparent discussions regarding your professional trajectory within the firm.

Hands-On Litigation Wor

k: From day one, you’ll take an active role in depositions, case analysis, motion practice, trial preparation, and client strategy across a variety of matters.

Work-Life Balance

A flexible work model and a culture that respects personal time, supporting long‑term sustainability and effectiveness.

Who we are and what we do:

The Indianapolis office of Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP is a small office practicing on the southside of Carmel. Practice areas include: Automotive & Trucking Litigation, Construction Law, Contingent Fee Litigation/Subrogation Recovery, Employment Law, Food Contamination, Governmental/Civil Rights Law, Insurance Coverage Disputes/Bad Faith Claims, Litigation, and Premises/Product/Professional Liability. The location is close to Keystone and 465 and offers convenient free parking and many food and shopping options within a 5‑minute radius. You would have the opportunity to work with and learn from attorney’s with anywhere between 15 and 50 years experience in a casual setting. At Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP we put family first and ensure we provide a work-life balance while also ensuring associates are given the experience needed to defend a wide‑variety of cases.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Analyze complex legal and factual issues, conduct extensive, well‑reasoned legal research, independently develop and present defense strategies on behalf of clients.
• Prepare complex pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motions, and briefs in support of defense strategies.
• Provide effective and timely communications, information, legal advice, and other services to clients and claims on legal and factual issues.
• Communicate with the court, witnesses, opposing counsel, and co-counsel in a manner consistent with established office procedures.
• Responsible for the prompt, efficient, and effective disposition of assigned cases.
• Assist in preparing and presenting witnesses and evidence at trials, judicial and administrative hearings, arbitrations, and alternative dispute resolutions.

We are looking for a candidat

e with:

• Bachelor's degree with J.D., and admission to the Indiana State Bar required
• Minimum 1-4 years of experience in insurance defense or related setting
• Preference to those managing their own cases
• Litigation experience required

Associate Attorney Compensation & B

enefits

• Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience
• 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance