Associate Attorney

Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A.; Ridgeland (MS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. in Ridgeland, MS seeks an Associate Attorney for defense litigation. The role involves researching, drafting pleadings, and contributing to case strategy under supervision.

Ideal candidate has 5+ years in litigation, strong writing and negotiation skills, and a U.S. law degree with Mississippi bar admission. On-site work, teamwork with senior attorneys, and a focus on practical, cost-conscious resolutions.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of litigation experience or a strong record handling depositions, court hearings, mediations and trials.
• Advanced research skills and ability to synthesize findings into persuasive written work.
• Effective negotiation skills for settlements, mediations, and discussions with opposing counsel.
• J.D. from an accredited law school and active Mississippi license to practice law.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills, attention to detail, and good organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Prepare correspondence and memoranda for internal and client use.
• Provide legal advice under supervision and participate in case strategy discussions.
• Assist with discovery, depositions, hearings, trial preparation, and other litigation activities.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal research

Negotiation

Oral and written advocacy

Multi-tasking / deadlines

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active Mississippi law license

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe

Job description

Company Description

Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. is a full-service law firm with over 40 attorneys and offices in the Jackson area, Hattiesburg, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The firm has a strong record of successful outcomes for a diverse client base, including large corporations, small businesses, and individuals. Its attorneys handle matters in every state and federal court venue in Mississippi and are known for both effective negotiations and vigorous courtroom advocacy. The firm prioritizes early case evaluation and cost-effective resolutions, while remaining prepared to pursue pretrial and trial victories when needed. Prospective team members will join a practice that values strategic thinking, client service, and practical problem-solving.

Role Description

The Associate Attorney will work full time on-site in Ridgeland, MS in the area of defense litigation. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs, and preparing correspondence and memoranda for internal and client use. The role involves providing legal advice under the supervision of a senior attorney, participating in case strategy discussions, and assisting with discovery, depositions, hearings, trial preparation, trial and all other litigation activities.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of litigation practice. Candidates with less than 5 years of litigation experience will be considered if there is a strong record of handling depositions, court hearings, mediations and trials. Candidates who have demonstrated the ability to manage the day-to-day matters in a litigation file with limited daily supervision will be strongly considered.
• Advanced Research skills, including use of legal research platforms, and the ability to synthesize findings into persuasive written work.
• Effective Negotiation skills for handling settlements, mediations, and discussions with opposing counsel and other stakeholders.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in Mississippi.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills, attention to detail, good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with modern legal practice technology. At a minimum, this includes the use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe.