Senior Defense Associate – Complex Coverage & Commercial Litigation

Blue Signal Search; Scottsdale (AZ); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical

401(k) with profit sharing

Firm-funded CLE

Modern office with hybrid flexibility

Job summary

A boutique litigation firm in Scottsdale, AZ seeks a Senior Defense Associate to lead significant insurance-coverage and commercial disputes. This role requires a J.D., active Arizona bar admission, and over 5 years of civil litigation experience. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in legal research and advocacy. This is an opportunity to grow in a collaborative, courtroom-focused environment with mentorship and hybrid work flexibility.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active Arizona bar admission (federal eligibility a plus).
• 5+ years' civil-litigation experience managing files independently and delivering successful results.
• Proven excellence in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Background in insurance-coverage, bad-faith, or complex commercial matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead case strategy from intake through final resolution.
• Draft, argue, and win dispositive, discovery, and procedural motions.
• Take and defend depositions of fact and expert witnesses.
• Design and drive discovery plans, ensuring timely production.
• Collaborate with partners on trial preparation.
• Provide proactive client communication with clear risk assessments.

Skills

Civil litigation

Oral advocacy

Legal research

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Arizona Bar admission

Job description

Senior Defense Associate – Complex Coverage & Commercial Litigation

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

A thriving, boutique litigation firm is expanding its Scottsdale team and seeks a seasoned litigator ready to take ownership of significant insurance-coverage, bad-faith, and high-value commercial disputes. Step into a courtroom-focused practice where strategic thinking, autonomy, and mentoring are celebrated—so you can sharpen your trial skills, guide junior colleagues, and directly influence client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead case strategy from intake through final resolution across state and federal venues.
• Draft, argue, and win dispositive, discovery, and procedural motions.
• Take and defend depositions of fact and expert witnesses; present persuasive oral argument at hearings, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Design and drive discovery plans, ensuring timely, defensible production and compliance.
• Collaborate with partners on trial preparation while mentoring junior attorneys and legal staff.
• Provide proactive client communication with clear risk assessments and creative settlement pathways.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active Arizona bar admission (federal eligibility a plus).
• 5+ years’ civil-litigation experience managing files independently and delivering successful results.
• Proven excellence in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Background in insurance-coverage, bad-faith, or complex commercial matters.

Preferred Extras

• Experience in regulated or emerging sectors (e.g., cannabis, fintech).
• History of supervising junior team members and coordinating multi-jurisdictional discovery.
• Comprehensive medical, 401(k) with profit sharing, and firm-funded CLE.
• Modern Scottsdale office with hybrid flexibility after ramp-up.

Why You’ll Thrive

• Direct access to seasoned trial partners invested in your growth.
• Meaningful courtroom work—no endless document review.
• A collaborative culture that values initiative, creativity, and mentorship.

Ready to elevate your litigation career? Apply in confidence today. All candidate conversations remain strictly confidential.