Associate Attorney - Civil Defense Litigation

H Squared Talent Solutions; Winchester (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Bonus potential

Hybrid schedule

Retirement plan / 401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Winchester, Virginia is seeking an Associate Attorney to join a respected civil defense litigation firm. The role offers hybrid work, meaningful courtroom experience, and mentorship in a collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate will be licensed in Virginia with a background in civil defense litigation, strong writing and research skills, and the ability to manage deadlines and client communications. Compensation includes base salary plus bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Active Virginia Bar license required
• 2 years of litigation experience preferred
• Civil defense litigation experience strongly preferred
• Experience in Insurance defense, Professional liability, Medical malpractice, Construction defect litigation, General civil litigation a plus
• Strong legal writing, research, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage deadlines, court filings, discovery obligations, and client communications
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Professional, motivated, and team-oriented mindset

Responsibilities

• Manage civil defense litigation matters through all phases of the litigation process
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, legal correspondence, client reports
• Conduct legal research and assist in developing litigation strategy
• Manage discovery, document review, depositions, and hearings
• Appear in court and represent clients in Virginia proceedings
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, experts, witnesses, and court personnel
• Evaluate liability, damages, settlement opportunities, and litigation risk
• Support matters involving insurance defense, professional liability, construction-related disputes, medical malpractice, general civil litigation, business and commercial disputes
• Collaborate with attorneys and support staff while independently managing assigned responsibilities

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Advocacy

Job description

Winchester, VA (Hybrid Available)

$95,000 -- $130,000 Bonus Potential Comprehensive Benefits

About the Opportunity

A respected civil defense litigation firm is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its growing team in Winchester, Virginia. This is an excellent opportunity for a litigation attorney looking to gain meaningful courtroom experience, handle substantive case responsibilities, and work alongside experienced defense litigators in a collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in civil defense litigation and be eager to take ownership of cases while continuing to develop their litigation skills through hands-on experience and mentorship.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on sophisticated civil defense matters from inception through resolution
• Gain substantial experience in:
  • Court appearances
  • Depositions
  • Motion practice
  • Discovery
  • Client management
• Diverse litigation practice spanning multiple areas of defense work
• Collaborative team environment with strong mentorship and professional development
• Competitive compensation, bonus opportunity, and comprehensive benefits
• Hybrid work flexibility for qualified candidates
• Clear opportunity for long-term career growth within a respected litigation practice

What You'll Do

• Manage civil defense litigation matters through all phases of the litigation process
• Draft and review:
  • Pleadings
  • Motions
  • Discovery requests and responses
  • Legal correspondence
  • Client reports
• Conduct legal research and assist in developing litigation strategy
• Manage discovery, document review, depositions, and hearings
• Appear in court and represent clients in Virginia proceedings
• Communicate directly with:
  • Clients
  • Opposing counsel
  • Experts
  • Witnesses
  • Court personnel
• Evaluate liability, damages, settlement opportunities, and litigation risk
• Support matters involving:
  • Insurance defense
  • Professional liability
  • Construction-related disputes
  • Medical malpractice
  • General civil litigation
  • Business and commercial disputes
• Collaborate with attorneys and support staff while independently managing assigned responsibilities

Qualifications

• Active Virginia Bar license required
• 2 years of litigation experience preferred
• Civil defense litigation experience strongly preferred
• Experience in any of the following is a plus:
  • Insurance defense
  • Professional liability
  • Medical malpractice
  • Construction defect litigation
  • General civil litigation
• Strong legal writing, research, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage deadlines, court filings, discovery obligations, and client communications
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Professional, motivated, and team-oriented mindset

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $95,000 -- $130,000, depending on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan / 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Long-term growth and advancement opportunities

About the Firm

This confidential employer is a well-established civil defense litigation firm representing businesses, insurers, professionals, and institutional clients in complex and high-exposure matters. The firm is known for its practical legal strategy, strong client relationships, and commitment to delivering high-quality advocacy.

Additional Details

• Location: Winchester, Virginia
• Hybrid schedule available for qualified candidates
• Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Virginia
• Ability to appear in Virginia courts and attend the Winchester office as needed is required