Attorney - Premises Liability

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Flexible work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

Wellness screenings

Commuter reimbursement

Job summary

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP in Florida seeks an attorney to independently manage defense litigated cases focused on general liability, third-party insurance defense, and premises liability, with full ownership of case strategy, trial preparation, client communications, and business development within Florida state courts.

The role involves handling a high volume of active matters, participating in in-person depositions and site inspections, and serving as first chair at trial when matters

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• 3–5 years of general liability, third-party insurance defense, and premises liability experience.
• First-chair trial experience required.
• Significant experience taking and defending expert depositions required.
• Admitted to practice in Florida.

Responsibilities

• Independently manages cases involving general liability, third-party insurance defense, and premises liability.
• Serves as first chair in jury trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Conducts and defends fact and expert depositions, including retained and opposing experts.
• Drafts and argues dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment, and appears at related hearings.
• Performs site inspections and attends in-person depositions as required.
• Prepares litigation strategy, evaluates exposure, and advises clients on case direction with a trial-ready approach.
• Manages a high volume of files while ensuring compliance with court rules, deadlines, and procedural requirements.
• Maintains and grows client relationships, including managing an established and expanding book of business.
• Reviews premises liability issues, including notice requirements in slip-and-fall matters when applicable.
• Utilizes internal and external resources as needed to address complex legal and factual issues.

Skills

Communication

Written & verbal

Quality work

Deadline management

Team collaboration

Policy adherence

Time management

Adaptability

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Florida bar admission

Job description

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is a premier insurance defense trial law firm with a presence spanning Florida, New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas. We are nationally recognized for our work in insurance defense, admiralty and maritime law, transportation and trucking, personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice defense, construction, subrogation, and products liability litigation.

The firm holds an AV® Preeminent rating-the highest peer-review distinction from Martindale-Hubbell-and is consistently ranked among the most diverse law firms in South Florida. Our attorneys are known for delivering swift, lucrative results, backed by a 24/7 emergency action response team serving clients in domestic and international jurisdictions.

No agency submissions accepted.

Summary:

We are seeking an Attorney that will be responsible for independently managing defense litigated cases focused on general liability, third-party insurance defense, and premises liability matters, with minimal oversight by the managing partner of the book of business. The role requires full ownership of case strategy, trial preparation, client communications, and business development within Florida state courts. The position involves managing a high volume of active matters, participating in in-person depositions and site inspections, and serving as first chair at trial when matters proceed to litigation.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. However, the individual may provide indirect guidance or task coordination to legal assistants, clerical staff, or interns in connection with case preparation and defense-related activities.

Responsibilities:

• Independently manages cases involving general liability, third-party insurance defense, and premises liability.
• Serves as first chair in jury trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Conducts and defends fact and expert depositions, including retained and opposing experts.
• Drafts and argues dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment, and appears at related hearings.
• Performs site inspections and attends in-person depositions as required.
• Prepares litigation strategy, evaluates exposure, and advises clients on case direction with a trial-ready approach.
• Manages a high volume of files while ensuring compliance with court rules, deadlines, and procedural requirements.
• Maintains and grows client relationships, including managing an established and expanding book of business.
• Reviews premises liability issues, including but not limited to notice requirements in slip-and-fall matters when applicable.
• Utilizes internal and external resources as needed to address complex legal and factual issues.

Education & Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in general liability, third-party insurance defense, and premises liability.
• Demonstrated first-chair trial experience required.
• Significant experience taking and defending expert depositions required.
• Admitted to practice in the state of Florida

No agency submissions accepted.

Essential Skills, Abilities & Competencies:

While the specific job requirements may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Communicate clearly and professionally-both verbally and in writing-with clients, attorneys, business professionals, and external parties.
• Produce high‑quality work product, respond to calls, and return correspondence promptly and efficiently.
• Deliver accurate, timely, and reliable work and consistently meet deadlines and performance expectations.
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships.
• Adhere to all firm policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Perform both sedentary and physical tasks, including:
  • Working at a computer for extended periods (on-screen reading, drafting, and typing)
  • Participating in virtual meetings and conference calls
  • Attending in-person meetings as needed
• Manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform other duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.

What We Offer:

• Competitive annual compensation package with bonus potential.
• Flexible working environment: career and work-life balance supported.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Packages: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA Medical & FSA Dependent Care, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, EAP, and supplementary voluntary health plans.
• Biometric Wellness Screenings.
• Commuter Reimbursement Program (parking, train, bus, etc.).
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous Firm match.
• Opportunities for creative freedom and idea exchange in an innovative workspace.

Our Culture - Collaborate with a Dynamic Legal Team

At Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, we cultivate talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We offer a vibrant, inclusive culture where professional growth is celebrated, and success thrives through innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Your voice will be heard, your contributions valued, and your potential realized.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind-for any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40+), disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, religion, and other protected needs and protect confidentiality and non-retaliation for individuals who raise discrimination concerns or participate in investigations.

DISCLAIMER:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work performed by the employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and/or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. For this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.