Associate Attorney – Workers’ Compensation

KPM LAW (Kalbaugh Pfund & Messersmith, P.C.); Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with firm match

PTO

Flexible work arrangements

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

A leading insurance defense firm is seeking an Associate Attorney to join its Workers’ Compensation team in Richmond, VA. This role involves managing a docket of 50–75 active Workers’ Comp cases, drafting legal documents, and attending hearings. Ideal candidates should have 1–5 years of relevant experience and strong writing skills. The position offers competitive pay ranging from $125,000 to $150,000, along with benefits like a 401k match and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• 1–5 years of Workers’ Compensation defense experience.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-moving practice.
• Medical background knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing a robust Workers’ Compensation docket.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and settlement documents.
• Conduct depositions and prepare for hearings.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Analysis

File management

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Virginia Bar admission

Job description

Kalbaugh, Pfund & Messersmith (KPM) is one of the largest insurance defense firms in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, with nearly 35 years of experience serving national and international insurance carriers and self‑insured companies. With strategically located offices in Virginia and attorneys licensed across VA, MD, DC, WV, and NC, we are known for efficiency, excellence, and trial‑ready defense.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate Attorney to join our Workers’ Compensation team in the Richmond office. This role is 100% workers’ comp defense and offers the opportunity to work directly with two highly experienced partners and a strong support team.

This associate will work exclusively on Workers’ Compensation matters, supporting a partner‑led docket of approximately 50–75 active files. The ideal candidate will have 1–5 years of workers’ comp defense experience, but we remain open to candidates with more experience or strong adjacent litigation backgrounds. The position is well‑suited for someone who can contribute immediately without requiring foundational training.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing a robust Workers’ Compensation docket.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, medical summaries, position statements, and settlement documents.
• Conduct depositions and prepare for hearings as experience permits.
• Communicate with clients, claims professionals, medical providers, and opposing counsel.
• Support partners in hearing preparation and strategy; assume greater autonomy as you ramp up.
• Attend Workers’ Compensation hearings, which occur regularly (typically weekly).
• Contribute to case evaluation, negotiation, and settlement positioning.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Virginia Bar admission (active and in good standing).
• 1–5 years of Workers’ Compensation defense experience.
• Strong writing, analysis, and file management skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high‑volume, fast‑moving practice.
• Medical background knowledge is a plus.

Why KPM?

• Early trial exposure and hands‑on experience.
• Collaborative, supportive culture.
• Competitive compensation with performance‑based bonuses.
• Benefits include 401k with firm match, PTO, and flexible work arrangements.

KPM LAW is an equal opportunity employer. We do not accept unsolicited resume submissions from search firms; firms submitting without prior agreement will not be eligible for compensation.

Richmond, VA $125,000.00–$150,000.00