Litigation Associate (Detroit and Grand Rapids Offices)

NACBA; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Wellness program

Professional development opportunities

401k with employer contribution

Job summary

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is seeking a Litigation Associate for our Detroit and Grand Rapids offices. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of hands-on litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, researching, and managing discovery for depositions and court proceedings.

The role offers exposure to senior attorneys on complex matters, with opportunities to develop courtroom and client advocacy skills in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of litigation experience in a law firm or similar setting.
• J.D. from accredited law school; licensed or willing to become licensed in Michigan.
• Strong research, legal writing, oral advocacy, persuasive speaking and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of litigation, from case initiation through trial and appeal.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery responses.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic case analysis.
• Manage discovery, including document review, depositions, and expert witness coordination.
• Attend hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and courts.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys to develop case strategy and trial preparation.

Skills

Litigation experience

Pleadings drafting

Legal research

Discovery management

Depositions

Courtroom proceedings

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Persuasive speaking

Trial preparation

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Tools

e‑discovery tools

case management software

legal research platforms

Job description

About the Position

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is seeking aLitigation Associateto join our Detroit and Grand Rapids offices. The ideal candidate will have three to five years of hands‑on litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, managing discovery, and participating in depositions and court proceedings. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior attorneys on complex litigation matters while developing courtroom and client advocacy skills.

About the Opportunity

Responsibilities:

• Handle all phases of litigation, from case initiation through trial and appeal
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery responses
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic case analysis
• Manage discovery, including document review, depositions, and expert witness coordination
• Attend hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and courts.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys to develop case strategy and trial preparation

About You

• Experience: 3-5 years of litigation experience in a law firm or similar setting.
• Education: J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed or willing to become licensed in the State of Michigan
• Skills: Strong research, legal writing, oral advocacy, persuasive speaking, analytical and courtroom advocacy skills
• Detail‑Oriented: Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and client needs effectively
• Tech‑Savvy: Familiarity with e‑discovery tools, case management software, and legal research platforms
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed

About Warner

Warner is a full‑service corporate law firm with 230+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook.

About Our Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Firm‑provided life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with employer contribution or match depending on plan design
• Generous PTO and leave policies
• Firm holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Wellness program
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

About Our Culture

• Teamwork – Warner’s lockstep compensation model encourages teamwork and distinguishes us from our competitors. Partner and associate salaries are set based upon seniority, not total hours worked, encouraging client legal projects to be routed to the most knowledgeable person in the firm. Our team approach to compensation yields better legal representation for our clients and lays the foundation for a fun culture without internal financial competition. We have a team atmosphere where people like working together and supporting each other.
• Diversity – At Warner, we take an “all in” approach to DEI – engaging people at all levels of the firm to lead and participate on DEI committees and initiatives. This ensures a broad base of support from team members truly invested in leading the charge. It’s because of their time and efforts we are as successful as we are – and that success radiates throughout the whole firm. Our DEI work has become not only the right thing to do, but more importantly, what our people want to do.
• Careers – Our culture of balanced personal and professional lifestyle allows us to maintain a 94% attorney retention rate. Attorneys throughout Michigan, the region and beyond are choosing Warner as their forever home – and because of our dedicated focus on living balanced lives, our attorneys’ families are fully supporting these important decisions.
• Community – Warner’s time‑honored community engagement initiatives include financial contributions to 150+ nonprofits, scholarships and paid time off for all firm members to engage in community initiatives that are meaningful to them.

Closing Statement

Warner hires top talent at every point in our organization. We are seeking dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds who strive to support the firm and its goals. Our collegial culture attracts people with diverse skills and backgrounds who are dedicated to teamwork and client service.