Senior Attorney - Premises Liability / Auto

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel; Miami (FL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with bonus

Unlimited PTO

401(k) with company match

Commuter Reimbursement

Job summary

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP in Florida seeks a Senior Attorney to independently manage defense litigated cases in premises liability and auto defense matters, with ownership of case strategy and trial preparation.

The role involves high-volume matters, in-person depositions and site inspections, and serving as first chair at trial when litigation proceeds. Travel and hybrid in-office work are required, with substantial client communication and business development responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Minimum of 7 years of Bar admission with at least 5 years in premises liability and auto defense.

Responsibilities

• Independently manages cases involving premises liability and auto defense matters.
• Serves as first chair in jury trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Conducts and defends fact and expert depositions, including retained and opposing experts.
• Drafts and argues dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment, and appears at related hearings.
• Prepares litigation strategy, evaluates exposure, and advises clients on case direction with a trial-ready approach.

Skills

First-chair trial

Client communications

Business development

Trial prep

Education

J.D.

Florida Bar

Job description

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is a premier insurance defense trial law firm with a presence spanning Florida, New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas. We are nationally recognized for our work in insurance defense, admiralty and maritime law, transportation and trucking, personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice defense, construction, subrogation, and products liability litigation.

The firm holds an AV® Preeminent rating-the highest peer-review distinction from Martindale-Hubbell-and is consistently ranked among the most diverse law firms in South Florida. Our attorneys are known for delivering swift, lucrative results, backed by a 24/7 emergency action response team serving clients in domestic and international jurisdictions.

This Senior Attorney role is responsible for independently managing defense litigated cases focused on premises liability and auto defense matters, with minimal oversight by the managing partner of the book of business. The role requires full ownership of case strategy, trial preparation, client communications, and business development within Florida state courts. The position involves managing a high volume of active matters, participating in in-person depositions and site inspections, and serving as first chair at trial when matters proceed to litigation.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position may have direct supervisory responsibilities of one to two associate attorneys. May provide indirect guidance or task coordination to legal assistants, clerical staff, or interns in connection with case preparation and defense-related activities.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Independently manages cases involving premises liability and auto defense matters.
• Serves as first chair in jury trials and evidentiary hearings.
• Conducts and defends fact and expert depositions, including retained and opposing experts.
• Drafts and argues dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment, and appears at related hearings.
• Performs site inspections and attends in-person depositions as required.
• Prepares litigation strategy, evaluates exposure, and advises clients on case direction with a trial-ready approach.
• Manages a high volume of files while ensuring compliance with court rules, deadlines, and procedural requirements.
• Maintains and grows client relationships, including managing an established and expanding book of business.
• Reviews premises liability issues, including but not limited to notice requirements in slip-and-fall matters when applicable.
• Utilizes internal and external resources as needed to address complex legal and factual issues.

Education & Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Minimum of 7 years of Bar admission with at least 5 years of experience in premises liability and auto defense matters.
• Demonstrated first-chair trial experience required.
• Significant experience taking and defending expert depositions required.

Physical Requirements:

• Travel is required for site inspections, depositions, hearings, IMEs, and provider/expert meetings.
• Hybrid work arrangement; in -office presence based on case needs and attorney schedule.
• Extended hours may be required to meet litigation deadlines.

We Offer:

• Competitive annual compensation package with bonus potential.
• Flexible working environment: career and work-life balance supported.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Packages: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, EAP, and supplementary voluntary health plans.
• Unlimited PTO
• Biometric Wellness screenings.
• Commuter Reimbursement Program (parking, train, bus, etc.).
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous firm match.
• Opportunities for creative freedom and idea exchange in an innovative workspace.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work performed by the employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and/or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Our Culture - Collaborate with a Dynamic and Visionary Legal Team

At Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, we cultivate unique, talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. We offer a vibrant, inclusive culture where professional growth is not only supported but celebrated. Our firm is built on the belief that success thrives in environments where innovation, diversity, and collaboration intersect. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment where your voice will be heard, your contributions valued, and your potential realized. If you're ready to elevate your career in an environment that champions individuality, creativity, and professional excellence, we want to connect with you.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

All inquiries will be kept confidential.