Senior Trial Attorney

Avalon; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Avalon is seeking a trial counsel to handle civil liability matters on a remote or hybrid basis. The attorney will investigate, defend, and litigate claims from inception through verdict or settlement, collaborating with adjusters and insureds to resolve matters efficiently.

The role requires Virginia licensure, 3+ years of insurance defense and first-chair jury trial experience. Candidates should be proficient in Legal Files ECM, MS Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, and Skype for Business, and

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Virginia.
• 3+ years in insurance defense with jury trial experience.
• Ability to manage cases from inception to conclusion.
• Proficient in paperless litigation and MS Office 365.

Responsibilities

• Handle a caseload of moderate to high exposures statewide in Virginia.
• Independently lead First Chair trial duties.
• Prepare pleadings and manage discovery, appearances, and motions.
• Negotiate settlements and advise insured clients and claims professionals.
• Utilize Legal Files ECM and MS Office 365 in daily workflow.

Skills

First-chair jury trial

Insurance defense litigation

Strategic litigation planning

Strong communication with claims teams

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Tools

Legal Files ECM

MS Office 365

Adobe Acrobat

Skype for Business

Job description

Our client is seeking a trial counsel on a remote or hybrid basis. This position investigates and handles civil liability cases from the inception until conclusion through dismissal, settlement, or trial and appeal if necessary. The attorney will work closely with the adjusters and the insureds to resolve claims as expeditiously and efficiently as possible.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Handles a caseload involving moderate to high exposures pending throughout the State of Virginia.
• Independently handles First Chair Trial duties.
• Exposures principally involve general liability, premises liability, and auto liability claims.
• Experience with and/or the ability to handle or assist with employment and professional/management liability defense casework is also desirable.
• Independently conducts trials, pre-trials, mediations, arbitrations, and any other legal activity required to resolve cases.
• Prepare pleadings and documents necessary to advance matters through the litigation process.
• Provides legal advice to insured clients, claims professionals, or other company representatives as needed.
• Negotiates settlements as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Virginia. Federal Bar membership is highly desirable. Additional licensure in the State of Maryland or in D.C. is a plus.
• Must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience in insurance defense, including first-chair jury trial experience.
• Must demonstrate ability to analyze issues, pro-actively develop effective strategies on pending cases, communicate regularly with claims professionals, document communication and resolve cases as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Must have considerable experience in preparing pleadings, completing discovery, handling appearances, motion practice, evaluating claims, negotiating settlement, and preparing for and conducting trials.
• It is expected that the attorney would be proficient working in a paperless environment, would fully utilize the Legal Files Electronic Case Management System, and would be functional and proficient with the MS Office 365 platform, Adobe Acrobat, and Skype for Business.