Senior Litigation Counsel

Moran & Associates

Florida

Hybrid

USD 320,000 - 435,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plan options

Health care savings account with firm

Generous paid holiday schedule

Paid time off that increases with-ten

401(k) with firm contribution

Bar dues paid by the firm

Continuing legal education paid by the

Job summary

Moran & Associates in Palm Beach/Tequesta, FL seeks an accomplished Senior Counsel / Partner to lead civil litigation, handling cases from intake to verdict. The role demands extensive trial experience, client relationship skills, and a proactive leadership style.

Ideal candidate has deep Florida practice, can mentor juniors, and contribute to growth of the litigation practice with strategic case management and strong writing ability.

Qualifications

Active Florida Bar license in good standing.
10+ years civil litigation in Florida (15+ preferred).
First-chair trials through verdict.
Hundreds of depositions taken/defended, incl. expert depositions.
Hundreds of hearings as first chair, incl. evidentiary hearings.
Mastery of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (2025 amendments) and Florida Evidence Code.
Strong motion practice and legal writing (SJ, injunctions, motions to compel, sanctions).
Experience leading mediations and settlements.
Knowledge of §768.79 settlements, attorney's fees, and §57.105 sanctions.
Ability to supervise/mentor associates, paralegals, and staff.

Responsibilities

Lead contested matters as first chair from intake to trial and post-judgment.
Serve as primary attorney of record on high-stakes disputes.
Take/defend depositions, argue motions and evidentiary hearings.
Develop case strategy with clear risk assessment for clients.
Preserve record for appeal; coordinate with appellate counsel.
Grow fiduciary litigation practice: will/trust disputes, fiduciary duty claims.
Supervise associates, paralegals, and staff on active cases.
Refine litigation procedures and systems; build referral networks.
Play an active role in business development and growth.

Skills

First-chair trial experience

Deposition leadership

Mediation leadership

Strong writing

Client relationship building

Team mentoring

Courtroom advocacy

Strategic case planning

Job description

Pay: $320,000 – $435,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

Senior Counsel / Partner – Civil Litigation Attorney

Fast-Growing South Florida Trust & Estate Law Firm

We are a boutique Trusts & Estates law firm with offices in Palm Beach and Tequesta. We have grown steadily over the last several years and are on pace to double our practice over the next three years. We take pride in delivering exceptional legal work and genuine client service, backed by a team that is strong, caring, and committed to doing things right.

We are looking for a seasoned civil trial lawyer to lead litigation matters within our firm. This is not a mentored associate position. We need someone who has already put in the years in the courtroom. You should be ready to run cases as first chair, build client relationships, and help shape the direction of our litigation practice.

You do not need a probate or trust background. We will teach you the substantive trust and estate law. What we cannot teach is courtroom experience, and that is what we are hiring for.

Our Ideal Candidate

The right person walks in on day one and handles complex civil litigation independently, from the initial pleading through trial. They have taken hundreds of depositions and argued hundreds of hearings, and they are at home in front of a judge. They are a natural relationship-builder, a strong writer, and a clear communicator. They are the kind of attorney clients trust when their family is in conflict. They know how to lead a team of attorneys and paralegals and are invested in mentoring the next generation of litigators.

We are expanding our Palm Beach and Tequesta offices and are open to in-person, hybrid, or remote arrangements for the right candidate.

Must-Have Experience

Active Florida Bar license in good standing
At least 10 years of civil litigation experience in Florida (15 or more preferred)
Proven track record as first chair, including trials taken through to verdict
Hundreds of depositions taken and defended, including expert depositions
Hundreds of hearings handled as first chair, including evidentiary hearings
Mastery of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, including the 2025 amendments, and the Florida Evidence Code
Strong motion practice and legal writing (summary judgment, injunctions, motions to compel, sanctions)
Experience preparing for and leading mediations and negotiating settlements
Working knowledge of proposals for settlement (§768.79), attorney's fees claims, and §57.105 sanctions
Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor associates, paralegals, and support staff

Preferred (Not Required)

Florida Bar Board Certification in Civil Trial or Business Litigation
Experience in the Fifteenth (Palm Beach), Nineteenth (Martin), or Seventeenth (Broward) Judicial Circuits
Experience with will contests, trust disputes, guardianship disputes, or other fiduciary litigation
An existing book of business or referral network

Responsibilities

Leading contested matters as first chair from intake through discovery, mediation, trial, and post-judgment
Serving as the primary attorney of record and client contact on significant, high-stakes disputes
Taking and defending depositions, and arguing motions and evidentiary hearings
Developing case strategy and giving clients a clear, honest assessment of risk
Preserving the record for appeal and coordinating with appellate counsel as needed
Learning and growing the firm's fiduciary litigation practice: will and trust contests, undue influence and capacity claims, breach of fiduciary duty, and removal of trustees and personal representatives
Supervising and directing associate attorneys, paralegals, and support staff on active cases
Building and refining the firm's litigation procedures and systems
Developing referral relationships with attorneys, financial advisors, CPAs, and bankers
Playing an active role in the firm's business development and long-term growth

Compensation and Benefits

Our pay range reflects the level of experience we are seeking. It includes a strong base salary plus a bonus structure tied to output for those who are entrepreneurially inclined. This is a full-time, exempt position, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM or 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Days, hours, and remote work can be flexible for the right candidate.

Benefits from day one: