Attorney - Litigation

Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm in Atlanta is seeking a Litigation Associate to work on complex cases while providing outstanding client service. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate, Georgia Bar membership, and 3–4 years of litigation experience, especially in insurance defense. Candidates should exhibit strong analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively. Competitive benefits and professional development opportunities are included.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to apply law to cases.
• Excellent writing skills for clear communication.
• Proficient verbal skills for client interactions.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Experience in handling depositions and mediations.

Responsibilities

• Build client relationships and provide excellent customer service.
• Develop and advocate for cases using technical/medical knowledge.
• Independently represent clients at mediations and trials.
• Enter time and billing information accurately and promptly.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Verbal skills

Timeliness of work

Flexibility under pressure

Judgment

Detail-oriented

Organization skills

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-approved law school

Member and in good standing with the Georgia Bar

Three to four years of litigation experience in insurance defense preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Litigation Associate works on a team of Partners, other Associates, Paralegals and Legal Assistants handling complicated cases that often involve medical and accident records and technical issues. This individual will build client relationships and provide an excellent customer experience for clients.

Responsibilities

• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze and reason independently and apply law to facts of case.
• Writing skills: Ability to communicate points and ideas clearly, effectively, and succinctly in written format. Proofreading (grammar, typos, etc.).
• Verbal skills: Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with clients, insurers, witnesses, and other counsel.
• Timeliness of work: Consistently completes and submits assignments in a timely manner.
• Flexibility under pressure: Ability to revise priorities based upon changes or needs, to follow through and meet deadlines, with accommodation of partners\' schedules.
• Identifies legal issues on his/her own: Exercises critical thinking by analyzing legal issues independently or asking for guidance when appropriate or confused by an issue.
• Ethical practice of law: Understands and implements.
• Case Understanding: Knowledge of technical/medical information for case development and advocacy, based on experience. Ability to recognize theme, issue, and goals in case and develop ways to achieve the desired end.
• Judgment: Ability to make and willingness to accept responsibility for reasonable and correct decisions consistent with level of experience.
• Creative approach to client problems: Resourceful and imaginative.
• Handling of critical depositions: Ability to take deposition of opposing expert and plaintiff. Ability to defend/prepare client.
• Mediation representation: Readiness to independently represent client at mediation.
• Overall litigation skills: Readiness to take a major role at trial, as appropriate for experience. Continually makes the effort to further develop litigation skills.
• Promotion/Development of existing clients: Takes advantage of available opportunities to strengthen relationships and build business with existing clients for associate\'s level of experience.
• Promotion/Development of new clients: Takes advantage of available opportunities to market and secure new clients for associate\'s level of experience. Participates in seminars, public speaking, and writing opportunities.
• Time entry and billing: Timely and consistently enters and releases time into timekeeping software.
• Accessibility/Accountability: Available in the office during regular hours, after hours, and on weekends.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Detail-oriented and professional.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Works and presents a positive and courteous demeanor with other attorneys and staff.
• Conducts behavior outside the firm in a way that exemplifies the firm.
• Flexible and adaptable in various situations and when interacting with many different personalities.
• Ability to function in a team setting with Partners, Associates, and Support Staff.
• Participates in firm committees, bar-related, and/or other outside legal activities.
• Dependable with a respect to confidentiality and policies.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-approved law school
• Member and in good standing with the Georgia Bar.
• Three to four years of litigation experience in insurance defense preferred

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, and grip.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.