Attorney - Premises Liability

Hamilton & Miller, PA; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Professional growth opportunities

Vibrant work environment

Job summary

A leading law firm in Florida is seeking an experienced attorney to manage defense litigated cases focusing on general liability and third-party insurance defense. The role demands strong trial preparation skills and the ability to independently manage a high volume of cases within Florida state courts. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of relevant experience, first-chair trial experience, and a commitment to client relationship management. The position offers flexibility with remote work options when not attending in-person litigations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage cases involving general liability, third-party insurance defense, and premises liability.
• Serve as first chair in jury trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Conduct and defend fact and expert depositions, including retained and opposing experts.
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment.
• Perform site inspections and attend in-person depositions as required.
• Prepare litigation strategy, evaluate exposure, and advise clients on case direction.
• Manage a high volume of files while ensuring compliance with court rules.
• Maintain and grow client relationships.
• Review premises liability issues.
• Utilize internal and external resources as needed.

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.

General Summary

This role is 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. 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.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently manage cases involving general liability, third‑party insurance defense, and premises liability.
• Serve as first chair in jury trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Conduct and defend fact and expert depositions, including retained and opposing experts.
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment, and appear at related hearings.
• Perform site inspections and attend in‑person depositions as required.
• Prepare litigation strategy, evaluate exposure, and advise clients on case direction with a trial‑ready approach.
• Manage a high volume of files while ensuring compliance with court rules, deadlines, and procedural requirements.
• Maintain and grow client relationships, including managing an established and expanding book of business.
• Review premises liability issues, including but not limited to notice requirements in slip‑and‑fall matters when applicable.
• Utilize internal and external resources as needed to address complex legal and factual issues.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Position is based in South Florida.
• Approximately 25–30% travel, primarily regional, including several hours of travel as needed for depositions and site inspections.
• Remote work is acceptable when not attending in‑person litigation activities.

Disclaimer Statement

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.

Our Culture—Collaborate with a Dynamic and Visionary Legal Team

At Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, we cultivate unique, talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. We offer a vibrant, inclusive culture where professional growth is not only supported but celebrated. Our firm is built on the belief that success thrives in environments where innovation, diversity, and collaboration intersect. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment where your voice will be heard, your contributions valued, and your potential realized. If you're ready to elevate your career in an environment that champions individuality, creativity, and professional excellence, we want to connect with you.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

All inquiries will be kept confidential.

We encourage direct applicants to apply. Please note that we are not accepting agency submissions for this role at this time.