Litigation Associate

Smith Freed Eberhard; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Performance bonus opportunities

Employer-paid medical, dental, and VIs

Job summary

Smith Freed Eberhard seeks an experienced litigation associate to work directly with the Managing Partner on complex insurance defense matters in Oregon. You will help shape strategy, take depositions, argue motions, prepare witnesses, and engage in mediations and trials from day one.

We value hands-on ownership, mentoring, and a track record of handling high-exposure civil litigation. Oregon bar in good standing is required, with other state bar considered a plus.

Qualifications

• Active Oregon State Bar membership; Washington Bar membership a plus.
• 3+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.
• Experience managing civil litigation files; strong deposition, motion, and discovery skills.
• Courtroom experience, including hearings and arbitrations.
• Excellent writing and analytical abilities.
• A genuine desire to become an exceptional litigator; trial experience valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy and work directly with clients on significant cases.
• Take depositions, argue motions, and prepare witnesses for hearings and trials.
• Participate in mediations and arbitrations; manage litigation from inception through resolution.
• Collaborate with the Managing Partner and other leadership to shape case strategy.
• Learn at a higher level by evaluating risk and negotiating effective resolutions.

Skills

Deposition skills

Motion practice

Discovery skills

Trial experience

Legal writing

Job description

Litigation Associate – Insurance Defense

Work Directly with the Managing Partner on Complex Civil Litigation

Some firms promise mentorship – We put you at counsel table

We are looking for an experienced litigation associate who wants more than another insurance defense position. This position is for the attorney ready to work side‑by‑side with our Managing Partner on complex, high‑exposure litigation – not years from now, but immediately.

You will help develop litigation strategy, take depositions, argue motions, prepare witnesses, participate in mediations and trials, and work directly with clients on significant cases.

If you are looking for an environment where your work influences the outcome of important litigation, and where your professional growth is limited only by your ability – you will find it here.

Your Practice

Work on complex commercial insurance defense litigation involving:

• Catastrophic injury claims
• Products liability
• Dram shop liability
• Complex negligence actions
• Other high‑exposure civil litigation matters

As your experience grows, so will your opportunities. We believe talented attorneys should earn opportunities based on ability – not simply years in practice.

Why This Position Is Different

Direct Access to Firm Leadership –

collaborate directly with the Managing Partner on strategy, client counseling, case evaluation and resolution strategy.

Meaningful Responsibility –

from the beginning, you will have opportunities to:

• Take and defend depositions
• Argue contested motions
• Attend arbitrations and mediations
• Manage litigation from inception through resolution

Learn Defense Litigation at a Higher Level –

beyond learning procedure, learn how experienced litigators evaluate risk, negotiate effectively, communicate with clients, and make strategic decisions that determine case outcomes.

Invest in Your Future –

we believe outstanding attorneys are developed through challenging work, thoughtful mentorship, and meaningful litigation experience.

Requirements

• Active Oregon State Bar membership, Washington Bar membership a plus
• 3+ years of insurance defense litigation experience
• Experience managing civil litigation filesStrong deposition, motion practice, and discovery skills
• Courtroom experience, including hearings and arbitrations
• Excellent writing and analytical abilities
• A genuine desire to become an exceptional litigator
• Trial experience is valued, but not required

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Paid bar dues, CLEs, PLF, and professional memberships
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Parking or mass transit reimbursement
• Voluntary short- or long‑term disability, life, and pet insurance
• Attorney retreats and professional development opportunities

Build Your Career Where It Matters

Exceptional litigators are not developed by managing the largest caseloads. They are developed by handling meaningful cases, working alongside experienced lawyers, and earning responsibility that accelerates their growth.

Smith Freed Eberhard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service obligations or other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.