Associate Attorney (Insurance Defense)

Willingham & Cote' P.C.; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

HSA options

Bonus opportunities

Paid dues & CLE

Job summary

Willingham & Cote' P.C. in East Lansing, Michigan, seeks an Associate Attorney to join its insurance defense litigation team focused on No-Fault and negligence defense.

You will manage a caseload, draft pleadings, take depositions, engage in negotiations, and collaborate with clients and staff in a fast-paced, growth-oriented firm.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Michigan and in good standing.
• 1–5 years of litigation experience preferred.
• Experience in No-Fault, negligence, premises liability, or general liability defense preferred.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and coverage opinions.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written analyses.
• Take and defend depositions, including parties, witnesses, and medical providers.
• Attend court hearings, case evaluations, settlement conferences, and facilitative mediations.
• Negotiate settlements and advocate on behalf of clients at all stages of litigation.
• Evaluate claims, analyze liability and damages issues, and develop litigation strategies.
• Communicate regularly with insurance adjusters, claims professionals, experts, and clients.
• Prepare cases for arbitration, mediation, and trial.
• Maintain accurate file documentation and provide timely reporting to clients.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Negotiation

Oral advocacy

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Associate Attorney – No-Fault & Negligence Insurance Defense

Our insurance defense practice is growing, and we are seeking an Associate Attorney to join our litigation team in East Lansing, Michigan. Our practice focuses on first-party and third-party No-Fault litigation, insurance coverage disputes, negligence actions, premises liability claims, and general liability defense. We represent insurance carriers, third-party administrators, self-insured entities, and businesses throughout Michigan.

The ideal candidate will be a motivated and detail-oriented attorney with litigation experience who can independently manage a caseload while collaborating effectively with clients, attorneys, and support staff. This position offers substantial courtroom experience, direct client contact, and opportunities for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage a litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and coverage opinions.
• Conduct legal research and prepare written analyses.
• Take and defend depositions, including parties, witnesses, and medical providers.
• Attend court hearings, case evaluations, settlement conferences, and facilitative mediations.
• Negotiate settlements and advocate on behalf of clients at all stages of litigation.
• Evaluate claims, analyze liability and damages issues, and develop litigation strategies.
• Communicate regularly with insurance adjusters, claims professionals, experts, and clients.
• Prepare cases for arbitration, mediation, and trial.
• Maintain accurate file documentation and provide timely reporting to clients.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Michigan and good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• One to five years of litigation experience preferred, but not required.
• Experience in No-Fault, negligence, premises liability, insurance coverage, or general liability defense is preferred.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Salary range: $70,000 to $120,000 annually, with higher compensation considered for candidates with significant insurance defense experience.
• Health insurance, dental insurance, and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Merit-based and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Paid professional dues and continuing legal education opportunities.
• Convenient East Lansing location with a collaborative and supportive work environment.