Litigation Associate — Direct Partner Mentorship (Insurance)

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

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.