Litigation Counsel Attorney - Professional Negligence

Top Echelon LLC; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon LLC in Raleigh, NC, seeks an experienced Litigation Associate or Counsel to join its Professional Negligence & Product Liability Defense Practice Group. The role offers hybrid work, strong client interaction, and opportunities to handle complex civil litigation in state and federal courts, with responsibilities including discovery, depositions, motions, and trial preparation.

Requirements include a JD from a top-tier law school, active bar in the relevant jurisdiction, and at least 3

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in the relevant jurisdiction, in good standing
• 3+ years of substantive civil litigation experience in a sophisticated law firm setting
• Experience handling litigation matters in state and federal courts
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Experience managing discovery, motion practice, and case development
• Ability to independently conduct depositions, including expert witness depositions
• Experience handling court appearances, hearings, mediations, and client conferences
• Trial preparation experience required; jury trial experience preferred
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills
• Strong organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Responsibilities

• Defend clients in professional negligence, commercial liability, transportation defense, and related civil litigation matters
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies from inception through resolution
• Manage all phases of discovery, including document review, written discovery, and witness preparation
• Take and defend fact and expert witness depositions
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents
• Handle court appearances, hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations
• Collaborate with partners and clients to develop practical and cost-effective litigation strategies
• Assist with trial preparation and participate in active trial schedules
• Provide ongoing client counseling regarding risk management and litigation exposure

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Discovery management

Deposition handling

Trial preparation

Client relations

Organization

Education

JD from a top-tier law school

Job description

PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE LITIGATION ASSOCIATE OR COUNSEL ATTORNEY

Locations: Raleigh, NC

HYBRID

Our client, a highly respected Southeast law firm, is seeking an experienced Litigation Associate or Counsel to join its Professional Negligence & Product Liability Defense Practice Group in Raleigh. This is an exceptional opportunity for a litigation attorney who is looking to assume significant responsibility, manage sophisticated matters, and gain substantial courtroom experience while working alongside an accomplished trial team.

The practice focuses on defending professionals and businesses in complex civil litigation matters, including professional negligence, commercial liability, transportation defense, and product liability claims. The successful candidate will enjoy meaningful client interaction, active litigation responsibilities, and a clear path for continued professional growth.

Candidate Profile

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in the relevant jurisdiction, in good standing
• 3+ years of substantive civil litigation experience in a sophisticated law firm setting

• Experience handling litigation matters in state and federal courts
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Experience managing discovery, motion practice, and case development
• Ability to independently conduct depositions, including expert witness depositions
• Experience handling court appearances, hearings, mediations, and client conferences
• Trial preparation experience required; jury trial experience preferred
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills
• Strong organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Key Responsibilities

• Defend clients in professional negligence, commercial liability, transportation defense, and related civil litigation matters
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies from inception through resolution
• Manage all phases of discovery, including document review, written discovery, and witness preparation
• Take and defend fact and expert witness depositions
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents

Handle court appearances, hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations

Collaborate with partners and clients to develop practical and cost-effective litigation strategies

Assist with trial preparation and participate in active trial schedules

Provide ongoing client counseling regarding risk management and litigation exposure

Why Join?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a well-established litigation practice that is recognized for its sophisticated defense work throughout the Southeast. The group represents professionals across a diverse range of industries, including accounting, architecture, engineering, insurance, financial services, healthcare, legal services, and surveying.

Attorneys in this practice gain hands-on litigation experience, substantial client contact, and meaningful responsibility while working on complex and challenging matters. The firm is committed to mentorship, professional development, community involvement, and fostering a collaborative culture where attorneys can build successful long‑term careers.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Expected base salary range of $200,000+, determined by experience and market factors
• Eligibility for multiplebonusopportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid parental leave; HSA/FSA; 401(k) and profit-sharing retirement plan; employee referral program; PTO and holidays; an employee assistance program; and corporate discounts

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript for consideration.

Our client is anEqual Opportunity Employer.