Civil Litigation Attorney

Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) match

Pediatric Dental Insurance (optional)

Job summary

Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy is seeking a Civil Litigation Attorney to join our Norton Shores, Michigan team. The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of general litigation experience and is licensed to practice in Michigan or pending admission.

You will manage a personal caseload, draft pleadings and motions, participate in hearings, and advise clients with clear, practical guidance. We value responsive service and collaborative problem solving.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Michigan or pending admission.
• Continuing legal education opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Meet with potential clients and understand their needs and explain legal issues, goals, and outcomes.
• Manage personal caseload with staff support.
• Research case law and statutes relevant to matters.
• Prepare motions, orders, interrogatories, discovery, briefs, settlements, judgments.
• Attend in-person and virtual hearings, conferences, mediations, depositions, trials.
• Negotiate settlements with opposing counsel.
• Prepare trial materials including direct/cross examinations, witnesses, briefs, exhibits.

Skills

Legal research

Written advocacy

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Time management

Case management

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Michigan bar admission or pending

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

We are seeking a Civil Litigation Attorney to join our legal team, in Norton Shores, Michigan. Preferred candidates will possess experience in general litigation, including commercial/business litigation, landlord-tenant, contract, real property, and personal injury, a history of responsive client service, and the ability to effectively manage a litigation docket. Highly motivated attorneys seeking to learn general litigation and expand into this fast-paced aspect of law are also welcome to apply. Successful general litigators possess the ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks and excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

One or more representative writing samples are required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet with potential clients and clients to understand their legal needs and effectively explain legal issues, goals, and potential outcomes
• Manage personal caseload with staff support
• Research case law and statutes relevant to the matter
• Timely prepare appropriate legal documents, including but not limited to motions, orders, interrogatories, various forms of discovery, briefs, settlements, and judgments
• Attend in-person and virtual hearings, status conferences, mediations, depositions, and trials as directed
• Negotiate settlements on behalf of clients, working with opposing counsel
• Trial preparation, including drafting direct and cross-examinations, preparing witnesses, and preparing trial briefs and exhibits

Preferred Requirements:

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan or ability to quickly obtain good standing
• Preferred candidates will possess 2-5 years of general litigation experience
• Candidates wishing to expand into general litigation must present sufficient legal skills and acumen, with the ability to quickly learn necessary skills to succeed in general litigation
• Adaptable team player with a growth mindset

Skills:

• Professional written and oral argument skills
• Strong legal analysis and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate with others
• Capable of building appropriate rapport with support staff, clients, opposing parties, opposing counsel, and court personnel
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently
• Excellent organizational and time management skills necessary to prioritize competing priorities and meet all deadlines
• Strong research, drafting, and written communication skills
• Ability to accurately enter time for billing purposes

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law, or pending admittance, in Michigan
• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Continuing legal education opportunities
• Medical Insurance and Pediatric Dental Insurance; optional for certain family members
• 401(k) opportunity with match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Business casual, small office environment
• Lakeshore living and working environment

About GGTM:

Established in 2012, Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy is a team of respected attorneys located in Norton Shores, Michigan, with years of proven experience in the industry.

As a firm, we concentrate our practice on the representation of businesses, business owners, and entrepreneurs and their families. We provide broad experience in the corporate and business sector and are well-versed in real estate, environmental law, litigation, agriculture, family law, and estate planning/probate matters. By focusing on these specific legal areas, our law firm is able to enhance our expertise and eliminate a learning curve expense for our clients.

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, in southern Muskegon County, Norton Shores offers a suburban flare with conveniences of nearby urban areas of Muskegon and Grand Rapids. Sporting events, music venues, and theater events are regularly available year around. Abundant beaches and outdoor activities are minutes away as well, allowing a great opportunity to see the beauty of West Michigan. Norton Shores offers easy access to other coastal cities and villages, such as Grand Haven, Holland, Saugatuck, Ludington and Petoskey.