Civil Litigation Attorney

Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho P.L.C.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Bonuses

Generous PTO

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Bar dues & CLE

Professional development

Job summary

CMDA Law in Grand Rapids seeks an experienced Civil Litigation Attorney to manage a fast-paced docket, work directly with clients and partners, and contribute to growing the Grand Rapids office. The role offers meaningful responsibility, courtroom experience, and autonomy within a supportive firm environment.

The ideal candidate will handle diverse civil matters, develop litigation strategies, and maintain client relationships, with opportunities for practice growth across a multi-state platform.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• At least five years of active civil litigation experience.
• Ability to manage cases independently from inception through resolution or trial.
• Experience conducting depositions, managing discovery, handling motion practice, and appearing in court.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, persuasive writing, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from initial investigation and case evaluation through settlement, trial, or appeal.
• Develop litigation strategies by evaluating facts, applicable law, potential exposure, and opportunities for resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents.
• Manage written discovery, document production, expert discovery, and related motion practice.
• Conduct and defend depositions and prepare clients and witnesses for testimony.
• Represent clients at hearings, conferences, mediations, settlement proceedings, and trials in state and federal courts.
• Conduct legal research and prepare clear, persuasive written analyses.
• Maintain regular client communication, including case evaluations, risk assessments, status reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Negotiate settlements while protecting client interests and maintaining professional relationships with opposing counsel.
• Collaborate with attorneys and professional staff to provide efficient, cost-effective representation consistent with firm and client standards.
• Assist with client development and the continued growth of CMDA’s Grand Rapids presence.

Skills

Civil litigation

Case management

Negotiation

Legal research

Court appearances

Written advocacy

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research tools

Case-management software

Electronic discovery platforms

Job description

Founded in 1965, CMDA Law (Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C.) is an established, AV-rated, multi-state law firm serving municipalities, businesses, insurers, and individuals. The firm is recognized for its strength in litigation and public-sector representation, including municipal law, insurance defense, employment and labor law, and complex civil disputes.

For more than 60 years, CMDA has earned the trust of clients, courts, and peers by providing high-quality, cost-conscious legal counsel and practical, results-oriented advocacy. Our collaborative culture, professional autonomy, and institutional stability have supported decades-long careers for attorneys and professional staff.

About CMDA Law

Founded in 1965, CMDA Law (Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C.) is an established, AV-rated, multi-state law firm serving municipalities, businesses, insurers, and individuals. The firm is recognized for its strength in litigation and public-sector representation, including municipal law, insurance defense, employment and labor law, and complex civil disputes.

For more than 60 years, CMDA has earned the trust of clients, courts, and peers by providing high-quality, cost-conscious legal counsel and practical, results-oriented advocacy. Our collaborative culture, professional autonomy, and institutional stability have supported decades-long careers for attorneys and professional staff.

The Opportunity

CMDA Law is seeking an experienced Civil Litigation Attorney to join and help grow its Grand Rapids office. The attorney will manage a fast-paced litigation docket while working directly with clients, partners, and colleagues throughout the firm.

This position is well suited for an attorney who wants meaningful responsibility, courtroom experience, professional autonomy, and the opportunity to play an active role in the continued development of a growing office.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil litigation matters from initial investigation and case evaluation through settlement, trial, or appeal.
• Develop litigation strategies by evaluating the facts, applicable law, potential exposure, and opportunities for resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents.
• Manage written discovery, document production, expert discovery, and related motion practice.
• Conduct and defend depositions and prepare clients and witnesses for testimony.
• Represent clients at hearings, conferences, mediations, settlement proceedings, and trials in state and federal courts.
• Conduct legal research and prepare clear, persuasive written analyses.
• Maintain regular client communication, including case evaluations, risk assessments, status reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Negotiate settlements while protecting client interests and maintaining professional relationships with opposing counsel.
• Collaborate with attorneys and professional staff to provide efficient, cost-effective representation consistent with firm and client standards.
• Assist with client development and the continued growth of CMDA’s Grand Rapids presence.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
• At least five years of active civil litigation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cases independently from inception through resolution or trial.
• Experience conducting depositions, managing discovery, handling motion practice, and appearing in court.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, persuasive writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong judgment, organizational ability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines professionally and efficiently.
• Commitment to providing responsive, high-quality client service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, legal research tools, case-management technology, and electronic discovery platforms.
• Public-entity or insurance-defense experience is valued but not required.
• Trial experience is preferred.

Why Join CMDA Law?

• Join a stable, respected firm with more than 60 years of legal experience.
• Assume meaningful responsibility for an active and diverse litigation docket.
• Work directly with clients and experienced attorneys across a multi-state platform.
• Help shape the continued growth of CMDA’s Grand Rapids office.
• Maintain professional autonomy while benefiting from collaborative legal and administrative support.
• Receive firm-supported marketing and business-development assistance to strengthen your professional visibility, cultivate client relationships, and pursue practice-growth opportunities.
• Build a long-term career with opportunities for advancement.

Compensation and Benefits

CMDA Law offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills
• Formula-based bonus program with the potential for additional discretionary bonuses
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Firm-paid bar dues and continuing legal education
• Firm-paid membership in select professional organizations
• Marketing and business-development support
• Opportunities for professional development, advancement, and cross-office collaboration

CMDA Law is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and respectful workplace.