Associate Attorney-Trucking Defense Litigation

Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet, LLP; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

401(k) plan with employer matching

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

Life insurance

Job summary

Cruser Mitchell is seeking an associate attorney to join our Atlanta office, focusing on trucking defense litigation and complex insurance coverage disputes. You will take ownership of matters, manage depositions, motions, discovery, and trial preparation, and collaborate with senior litigators and clients to develop strategy.

We offer mentorship, rapid responsibility, a hybrid in-office/remote schedule, and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k) matching, and growth

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of litigation experience in trucking/transportation defense and/or insurance coverage litigation.
• Active Georgia State Bar membership in good standing.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Proactive, intellectually rigorous, detail-oriented; motivated by high-exposure litigation.

Responsibilities

• Defend trucking and transportation clients; manage complex insurance coverage disputes.
• Handle depositions, hearings, motions, discovery, and trial preparation.
• Work with experienced trial attorneys and partners for development and mentorship.
• Analyze complex claims and develop strategies for high-exposure matters.
• Participate in pre-suit investigations, case evaluation, and settlement negotiations.
• Communicate with clients to develop business and litigation strategies.

Skills

Litigation experience

Deposition experience

Trial preparation

Pre- and post-suit investigations

Client communication

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Georgia Bar admission

Job description

Associate Attorney – Trucking Defense Litigation (Atlanta, GA)

Complex cases. Sophisticated clients. Experienced litigators. Real responsibility.

Cruser Mitchell is seeking an exceptional litigation associate to join our Atlanta office and take on complex and high-stakes trucking defense and insurance coverage litigation.

Our approach is simple: give talented attorneys the training, mentorship, experience, and opportunity they need to succeed. At Cruser Mitchell, you won’t simply be assigned a piece of a case and asked to work in the background. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, interact directly with experienced litigators and clients, and take on increasing responsibility as you grow.

As an Associate, you will have the opportunity to:

• Defend trucking and transportation companies, and you will litigate complex insurance coverage disputes involving nuanced policy interpretation, reservation of rights, declaratory judgment actions, and bad-faith exposure.
• Handle depositions, hearings, motions, discovery, and other critical litigation responsibilities
• Work directly with experienced trial attorneys and have access to partners who are invested in your development
• Analyze complex claims and develop strategies for resolving high-exposure matters
• Participate in pre-suit investigations, case evaluation, litigation strategy, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation
• Communicate directly with clients and develop the judgment and business skills necessary to become a trusted advisor
• Take on increasingly sophisticated matters and responsibility as your experience grows
• Learn from successful litigators who are willing to teach, mentor, and share their experience

What sets this opportunity apart:

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.

High Level of Responsibility from Day One:

You will take an active and leading role in depositions, dispositive and evidentiary motion practice, coverage opinions, case strategy, and trial preparation — not as an observer, but as a contributing litigator.

Technology & Data Literacy:

Hands-on engagement with the evolving legal tech landscape, data analysis tools, and the platforms reshaping how complex litigation is built and tried.

Deliberate Career Development:

Clear expectations, defined milestones, and transparent conversations about your trajectory toward becoming a recognized trucking and coverage litigator.

Work-Life Balance:

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

Attorney Qualifications

• Experience: 2-5 years of litigation experience, including pre- and post-suit investigations, case analysis, drafting and responding to discovery, preparing and arguing motions, taking and defending depositions, and trial preparation. Required: demonstrable experience in trucking/transportation defense and/or insurance coverage litigation. This experience is the defining qualification for this role.
• Bar Admission: Active membership in the Georgia State Bar in good standing
• Education: J.D. from an accredited law school
• Professional Attributes: Proactive, intellectually rigorous, detail-oriented, and motivated by complex, high-exposure work and a long‑term career in litigation

Associate Attorney Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary between $125,000 and $155,000, commensurate with experience, plus bonus opportunity
• Hybrid work arrangement combining in-office collaboration with remote flexibility
• 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

About Us:

We continue to be named one of US News & World Report's Best Places to Work. Cruser, Mitchell, Novitz, Sanchez, Gaston & Zimet LLP is a leading national law firm dedicated to excellence in litigation. We represent clients in all types of litigation, including employment and professional liability claims, complex product liability cases, GL and auto claims, trucking matters, insurance coverage disputes and more. Our firm values creativity and innovation, and we're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Office Locations