Litigation Associate - Insurance Defense

Smith Freed & Eberhard PC; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Employer-paid health insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Parking or mass transit reimbursement

Disability insurance

Life and pet insurance

Attorney retreats

Job summary

Smith Freed Eberhard PC in Portland, Oregon seeks an experienced litigation associate to work closely with the Managing Partner on complex, high-exposure civil litigation. You will help develop strategy, take depositions, argue motions, prepare witnesses, and participate in mediations and trials from day one.

You will handle catastrophic injury, transportation, premises and products liability matters, with opportunities to grow as your experience expands.

Qualifications

• Active Oregon State Bar membership.
• 3+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.
• Experience managing civil litigation files.
• Strong 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Oregon Bar

Insurance defense

Litigation management

Deposition skills

Motion practice

Discovery

Courtroom experience

Written communication

Job description

Work Directly with the Managing Partner on Complex Civil Litigation

Location: Portland, Oregon (In-Person / Hybrid Considered)

Practice Area: Insurance Defense • 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 outcomes 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
• Commercial transportation litigation
• Premises liability
• 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
• Develop litigation strategy
• 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.

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
• Student debt assistance
• 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

Requirements

We are Looking For

• Active Oregon State Bar membership
• 3+ years of insurance defense litigation experience
• Experience managing civil litigation files
• Strong 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

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.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your litigation career, we would like to meet you!

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.