Associate Attorneys

Secrest Wardle; Troy (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Secrest Wardle, a premier Michigan-based insurance defense firm, seeks an early-career associate to gain courtroom experience from day one. You’ll work alongside seasoned litigators, take depositions, draft motions, appear in court, and help prepare cases with partners on strategy.

The role offers hands-on practice, strong mentorship, and a hybrid schedule after onboarding, with an office in Troy, Michigan.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and bar admission in Michigan.
• Experience or coursework in litigation is preferred.
• Strong legal writing and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Take and defend depositions.
• Draft motions, pleadings, and discovery.
• Appear regularly in court for hearings and conferences.
• Work with partners on case strategy and trial preparation.

Skills

Litigation

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Job description

Are you an early-career attorney looking to gain meaningful courtroom experience—not just manage files from the sidelines?

At Secrest Wardle, you’ll step into active litigation work immediately. Our associates work side-by-side with experienced litigators to do more than push paper. You’ll begin to build your skills as a litigator through hands‑on experience from the beginning. If you’re eager to develop as a litigator through actual practice, this role is designed for you.

Why Secrest Wardle

Secrest Wardle is an established and rapidly growing insurance defense firm with more than 100 years of litigation excellence. We’ve built our reputation by developing strong litigators—giving attorneys meaningful responsibility early, paired with mentorship, support, and guidance from experienced trial lawyers.

Why This Role Is Different

• One-on-one mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
• Work on 15-20 files at a time with direct supervision from more seasoned attorneys
• Strong administrative and paralegal support so you can focus on practicing law
• A true opportunity to practice your litigation and courtroom skills—not copy and paste work that others have already done

What You’ll Do

• Take and defend depositions
• Draft motions, pleadings, and discovery
• Appear regularly in court for hearings, conferences, and proceedings
• Work collaboratively with partners on case strategy and trial preparation

What to Expect

• Caseload: Typically 15–20 active files, depending on complexity, with partner oversight
• Hybrid Schedule: Available after approximately 60–90 days, based on onboarding progress
• Mentorship: Direct access to partners with ongoing, practical feedback on writing, strategy, and courtroom performance

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in litigation and trial work
• Superior legal writing and communication skills
• Experience or coursework in Michigan no-fault law is a plus
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage deadlines in a fast-moving practice
• Licensed in Michigan, recent bar passer, or eligible for Michigan licensure, including attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions who plan to relocate and seek admission to the Michigan Bar (relocation assistance not available).
• Our practice is committed to the highest ethical standards
• Collaboration across teams, experience levels, and practice areas
• Weekly mentoring meetings designed to get into the nitty-gritty of all phases of litigation
• Office located in bustling Troy, Michigan (hybrid schedule possible as familiarity with procedures and workflows is achieved), close to all major freeways and with a host of entertainment and dining options within walkable distance.