Litigation Attorney – Commercial, Construction & Business

Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. in Chattanooga, TN is seeking experienced commercial, construction and business litigation attorneys to serve as lead or first-chair counsel on sophisticated disputes from intake through trial and appeal.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic problem-solver able to manage high-stakes matters and build strong client relationships. Candidates should have 10–20 years of experience, J.D.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with active bar membership; Tennessee admission preferred.
• 10–20 years of sophisticated commercial, construction, and business litigation experience.
• Proven ability to lead matters as lead or first-chair counsel in complex disputes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead or first-chair counsel on sophisticated commercial, construction, and business litigation matters.
• Develop case strategy and oversee discovery, motions, and trials.
• Collaborate with practice groups to deliver coordinated client solutions.
• Provide business-minded advice aligning litigation with client objectives and budgets.
• Manage client communications, budgets, and expectations.
• Mentor junior attorneys and litigation support staff, and contribute to business development.

Skills

First-chair experience

Commercial litigation

Trial strategy

Client relations

Mentoring juniors

Education

J.D. and bar admission

Job description

For over a century, Chambliss has been more than a law firm—we have been a trusted partner to businesses, families, and individuals across the Southeast and beyond. As a growing, mid-sized, full-service firm, we offer the sophisticated resources and diverse client base of a large firm with the collaborative culture and direct client access of a boutique practice.

We are seeking experienced commercial, construction and business litigation attorneys with approximately 10–20 years of experience, to serve as lead or first-chair counsel on sophisticated business disputes from intake through trial and appeal. The ideal candidate is a strategic problem-solver who can independently manage high-stakes matters, develop strong client relationships, collaborate across practice groups, and mentor junior attorneys and litigation support staff.

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee (on-site). Candidates from Chattanooga and regional markets are encouraged to apply and must be willing to commute or relocate to the Chattanooga area.

Employment Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Start Date: Flexible

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as lead or first-chair counsel on sophisticated commercial, construction, and business litigation matters, including contract disputes, business torts, corporate governance issues, class actions, financial services litigation, construction litigation, intellectual property litigation, healthcare litigation, products liability litigation, and multi-jurisdictional disputes.
• Develop case strategy; evaluate matters early for dispositive motions, mediation, arbitration, negotiated resolution, or trial; oversee discovery; draft and argue motions; and manage matters through trial and appeal.
• Conduct depositions, hearings, mediations, and arbitrations with minimal supervision, and collaborate with attorneys across the firm’s business, health care, labor and employment, intellectual property, real estate, and other practices to deliver coordinated client solutions.
• Provide practical, business-minded advice that aligns litigation strategies with each client’s objectives, risk tolerance, and budget, including risk assessment and dispute-avoidance guidance.
• Manage client communications, budgets, and expectations throughout the litigation lifecycle.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys and litigation support staff.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, including client presentations and thought leadership.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; Tennessee admission is preferred, or the candidate must be willing to obtain a Tennessee License.
• Approximately 10–20 years of sophisticated commercial litigation experience in a law firm setting.
• Demonstrated success independently handling complex business disputes as lead or first-chair counsel, including substantial federal court, motion, and trial experience.
• Exceptional research, writing, oral advocacy, litigation, and case-management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent client-management and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with construction, intellectual property, healthcare, class action, financial services, or multi-jurisdictional litigation.
• Prior leadership or team-management experience, including the ability to integrate and lead a small litigation team.
• A portable book of business is welcome but not required; the priority is experienced litigation leadership and capacity.

What Sets Us Apart

• Meaningful work: Lead sophisticated commercial disputes for established corporate clients.
• Career growth: Build your practice and pursue clear pathways for advancement in a firm committed to promoting from within.
• Work-life integration: Join a firm that values family and strives to support work-life balance.
• Collaborative environment: Work with a close-knit team where your leadership and contributions have a meaningful impact.

Chambliss is committed to being one of the best law firms to work for in our region. We actively seek highly qualified attorneys, legal assistants, and support professionals. Chambliss strives to attract a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.