Commercial Litigation Associate

Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Mentorship

Job summary

Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A. in Orlando, FL seeks a Commercial Litigation Associate with 6-8 years of experience to join our litigation team. This role is full-time with a hybrid schedule after an initial onsite period.

The ideal candidate will independently manage significant aspects of complex commercial disputes, draft substantive motions, and supervise staff while collaborating with shareholders and clients in a team-oriented culture.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the Florida Bar.
• 6-8 years of substantive commercial litigation experience.
• Demonstrated experience drafting dispositive motions and managing discovery.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using LexisNexis for legal research.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial litigation matters from early case assessment through resolution, including trial when applicable.
• Draft and argue substantive motions, including dispositive motions.
• Oversee all aspects of discovery, including depositions, e-discovery, and expert coordination.
• Appear in state and federal courts for hearings, case management conferences, and other proceedings.
• Prepare for and participate in mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Supervise and effectively utilize paralegals and legal assistants.
• Provide practical, business-oriented advice to clients.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and mentor junior attorneys as appropriate.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with clients, shareholders, and staff.
• Operate with strong work ethics and the commitment to meet deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to provide exceptional, determined legal representation to clients through responsive and memorable interpersonal connections.

Skills

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Oral advocacy

Multi-tasking

Depositions

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

LexisNexis

Job description

Job Title: Commercial Litigation Associate (6-8 years’ experience)

Schedule: Full-time; hybrid (first 90 days onsite, with potential hybrid afterward)

Salary Range: $140,000–$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Bonus programs provide the opportunity for additional compensation based on origination and production.

Reports To: Shareholders

Date: October, 2026

Firm Overview:

Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A. is a well-established, AV-rated law firm based in Orlando, Florida. We are known for delivering exceptional client service, fostering long-term relationships, maintaining a strong commitment to our community, and treating our employees with integrity and respect. ZKS has been recognized as one of Central Florida’s Best Workplaces for more than a decade, reflecting our collaborative culture, respect for employees, and focus on professional growth.

We offer a collegial environment with experienced mentorship and a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including health and welfare benefits, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, mentorship, and professional development support.

Summary:

ZKS seeks a highly capable Commercial Litigation Associate with 6-8 years of experience to join our litigation team. This role is suited for an attorney who can independently manage significant aspects of complex commercial disputes while collaborating effectively with shareholders and clients.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and strategist, comfortable taking ownership of cases, and motivated to develop both legal expertise and client relationships within a respected, team-oriented firm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage commercial litigation matters from early case assessment through resolution, including trial when applicable
• Draft and argue substantive motions, including dispositive motions
• Oversee all aspects of discovery, including depositions, e-discovery, and expert coordination
• Appear in state and federal courts for hearings, case management conferences, and other proceedings
• Prepare for and participate in mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• Supervise and effectively utilize paralegals and legal assistants
• Provide practical, business-oriented advice to clients
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and mentor junior attorneys as appropriate
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with clients, shareholders, and staff
• Operate with strong work ethics and the commitment to meet deadlines
• Willingness and ability to provide exceptional, determined legal representation to clients through responsive and memorable interpersonal connections

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. Requirements listed are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, if needed.

Required:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar
• 6-8 years of substantive commercial litigation experience
• Demonstrated experience drafting dispositive motions and managing discovery
• Experience taking and defending depositions
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience using LexisNexis for legal research

Preferred:

• Meaningful experience with hearings and court appearances
• Trial or arbitration experience
• Bankruptcy experience preferred but not required
• Familiarity with complex commercial disputes (e.g., contract, business torts, partnership disputes)

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Onboarding/training and the first 90-days are required onsite, after which a partially remote schedule may be discussed. Successful candidates must feel confident about their ability to effectively and collaboratively work from home.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.