Senior Attorney - Premises Liability / Auto

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious law firm in the United States is seeking a Senior Attorney to manage defense litigated cases with a focus on premises liability and auto defense. Responsibilities include trial preparation, client communications, and leading depositions. Candidates should have a Juris Doctor, active Florida Bar membership, and at least 7 years of legal experience, including first-chair trial experience. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, demanding both in-office presence and travel for inspections and hearings.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage defense litigated cases for premises liability and auto defense.
• Supervise associate attorneys and coordinate case preparation.
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment.

Skills

Defense litigation management

Trial preparation

Client communication

Business development

Case strategy ownership

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Active membership with the Florida Bar

Minimum of 7 years Bar admission

Job description

General Summary

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.

• 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.

This 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.

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.