Associate Attorney

Groth, Makarenko, Kaiser and Eidex; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier civil defense law firm in Nashville, TN seeks an experienced attorney to guide clients through litigation. You will be tasked with managing case intakes, drafting legal documents, and preparing cases for trial while meeting an annual billable hour requirement. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor, active Tennessee State Bar membership, and at least 5 years of experience. A commitment to integrity and strong advocacy skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience preferred within insurance defense or litigation.
• Active membership in the Tennessee State Bar is required.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload and engage in courtroom advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct case intake and review files with insured clients.
• File responsive pleadings within statutory deadlines.
• Draft and serve discovery requests and responses.
• Take and defend depositions, assessing credibility and claims.
• Prepare detailed case evaluations summarizing legal issues.
• Analyze non-party records, including medical histories and employment records, to identify inconsistencies in plaintiff testimony.
• Prepare detailed case evaluations, summarizing legal issues, liability assessments, and potential exposure for insurance carriers.
• Engage in motion practice, drafting and arguing motions to dismiss, for summary judgment, and other pretrial motions.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies, working with senior attorneys and support staff.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations, advocating for cost-effective resolutions while protecting client interests.
• Prepare cases for trial, including jury selection strategy, witness preparation, and trial exhibit organization.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, handling motion hearings, arbitrations, and trials with confidence and professionalism.
• Meet a substantial annual billable hour requirement while maintaining accurate time tracking in the firm’s system.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to adapt to shifting priorities

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

Job description

At GMKE, we know that great talent is the key to achieving the best outcomes for our clients and customers. For the last 18 years, our talented attorneys have built a distinguished reputation as unyielding advocates to insureds facing litigation and trusted partners to insurance companies seeking to responsibly manage liabilities.

We’ve done this by putting our mission at the center of everything we do, living our values, and taking a real approach to every case – resulting in consistently excellent outcomes in the courtroom.

Who We Are

Groth, Makarenko, Kaiser and Eidex is a premier civil defense firm in the Southeast building the future of insurance defense to ensure the best outcome for every carrier and every insured, in every case.

Our values – sincerely diligent, honorably competitive, accountable, client serving, and united in collaboration – shape the way we approach each case and every relationship, acting as our guiding light in all that we do. GMKE is more than just a firm; it’s a community of diverse, growth-minded people, each drawn to our dynamic environment and mission, as we expand our reach throughout the Southeast.

About The Role

For many insureds, litigation is overwhelming. As their attorney, you will be a steady guide through an unfamiliar and often stressful process, providing clarity, protection, and advocacy when it matters most. Your ability to think critically and act decisively will directly impact case outcomes. By managing your own caseload, you will drive litigation forward, advocate for clients, and develop strategies that lead to successful resolutions. If you’re looking for a role where you can grow as a litigator, take initiative, and help to expand your practice, this is it.

Responsibilities

• Conduct case intake, reviewing files, speaking with insured clients, and gathering key information from claim files
• File responsive pleadings within statutory deadlines, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedural requirements
• Draft and serve discovery requests and responses, coordinating with clients to obtain necessary information
• Communicate directly with insureds and claims representatives to provide case updates and manage expectations
• Take and defend depositions, applying strategic questioning techniques to assess credibility and claim validity
• Analyze non-party records, including prior medical histories and employment records, to identify inconsistencies in plaintiff testimony
• Prepare detailed case evaluations, summarizing legal issues, liability assessments, and potential exposure for insurance carriers
• Engage in motion practice, drafting and arguing motions to dismiss, summary judgment motions, and other pretrial motions
• Develop and execute litigation strategies, working collaboratively with senior attorneys and support staff
• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations, advocating for cost-effective resolutions while protecting client interests
• Prepare cases for trial, including jury selection strategy, witness preparation, and trial exhibit organization
• Represent clients in court proceedings, handling motion hearings, arbitrations, and trials with confidence and professionalism
• Meet a 1,750 annual billable hour requirement while maintaining an updated task list in the firm’s practice management system to ensure accurate time tracking, data integrity, and seamless case handoffs

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active membership in the Tennessee State Bar with minimum 5 years experience (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage a caseload effectively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions, depositions, and court advocacy
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and handle fast-moving litigation deadlines
• Resourceful, proactive, and self-sufficient in problem-solving—able to anticipate needs, seek out solutions, and take initiative without waiting for direction
• Values-driven, with a natural commitment to integrity and accountability, a strong alignment with GMKE’s core values, and a willingness to engage in and contribute to firm culture
• Prior experience in insurance defense or litigation is preferred but not required
• Willingness to take ownership of cases, engage in courtroom advocacy, and develop trial experience

Diversity At GMKE

GMKE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, fully complying with state, federal, and local laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve, recognizing that varied perspectives and experiences enhance both our workplace and our approach to client needs.