Litigation Partner, Auto Defense

Distinct | North America; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Distinct Recruitment in Orlando is seeking a Litigation Partner to lead an auto defense practice for an insurance defense firm. The role emphasizes leadership, mentoring, and client development.

A portable book is preferred but not required; the focus is on trial leadership, strategy, and building a high-performing team. The position is based in the Orlando office, full time, with compensation starting at $200,000+ and negotiable depending on book and experience.

Qualifications

• Experienced auto or general insurance defense litigators.
• Trial lawyers who have led cases to verdict.
• Counsel ready to step up, or partners seeking a stronger platform.

Responsibilities

• Lead an auto liability defense docket, including commercial vehicles and catastrophic injury claims.
• Serve as first chair in trials and hearings.
• Develop case strategy for the team’s files and manage discovery.

Skills

Auto defense litigation

Insurance defense

Trial leadership

Mentoring & teaching

Job description

A book of business is lovely. It isn't compulsory here.

I'm Ryan Jaiswal of Distinct Recruitment, and I'm hiring a Litigation Partner in Orlando for an insurance defense firm with a substantial auto defense practice. The firm prefers candidates with a portable book, but it's not a requirement. What matters most is the ability to lead cases, try them and develop the people around you.

What you'd lead

• An auto liability defense docket, including commercial vehicle and catastrophic injury claims
• First chair trial work
• Case strategy for the team's files
• Client relationships with carriers and insured businesses
• Mentoring associates and giving them real responsibility: their own depositions, hearings and courtroom time
• Building the Orlando auto defense practice

Who this is for

• Experienced auto or general insurance defense litigators
• Trial lawyers who've led cases to verdict
• Counsel ready to step up, or partners wanting a better platform
• Leaders who enjoy teaching

Working arrangement

• Based in the Orlando office, full time
• $200,000+, negotiable depending on book and experience

Why the office matters at partner level

Partners set the culture. Associates learn how to litigate by watching how you prepare, how you handle a difficult client call and how you react when a trial goes sideways. An office based partner who is visible and available has a huge influence on the quality of the team, and the firm values that influence highly.

On the book

Bring a book and it will be supported, grown and reflected in your compensation. Bring a strong trial record and great relationships with carrier clients instead, and you'll still be a very attractive candidate. The firm isn't trying to buy revenue; it's trying to add a leader.

Why this could be the right time

Auto defense is busy, and experienced trial lawyers are in demand. If you've been carrying the responsibility of a partner without the title or the pay, or you're a partner who wants more influence over how a team is built, this is worth a conversation.

The person I'm looking for

Someone who has tried auto cases and won. Someone associates want to work for. Someone who'd rather lead a practice than simply belong to one.