Sexual Abuse Litigation Attorney

Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Sweeney Merrigan Law seeks a Sexual Abuse Litigation Attorney to join our Rhode Island office. You will independently manage a high-volume docket of sexual abuse and institutional liability matters, guiding cases from intake through resolution with sensitivity and tenacity.

The ideal candidate has approximately five years of litigation experience, strong courtroom and negotiation skills, and a commitment to survivors’ justice within a collaborative, growth-oriented team.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice in Rhode Island.
• Approximately 5 years of litigation experience.
• Experience in plaintiff-side personal injury, sexual abuse, civil rights, or complex litigation preferred.
• Strong courtroom, deposition, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a high-volume docket of sexual abuse and institutional liability cases.
• Develop cases, coordinate investigations, and gather evidence.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct depositions, mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances.
• Negotiate settlements and litigate matters when necessary.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case records in the firm’s case management system.
• Collaborate with firm leadership regarding litigation strategy and case evaluation.
• Deliver exceptional client service throughout the litigation process.

Skills

Litigation

Courtroom skills

Negotiation

Client communication

Organizational skills

Emotional intelligence

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Rhode Island Bar

Job description

Sweeney Merrigan Law is growing, and we’re hiring immediately for a Sexual Abuse Litigation Attorney to join our expanding legal team. In this role, you will work primarily from our Rhode Island office and independently manage a high-volume docket of sexual abuse and institutional liability cases, helping survivors seek justice and accountability.

Our Sexual Abuse Litigation Attorneys play a critical role in investigating claims, developing liability theories, managing litigation, communicating with clients, and pursuing meaningful resolutions through settlement or trial. This position is ideal for an attorney with approximately five years of litigation experience who is comfortable working independently while remaining closely connected to the broader Sweeney Merrigan team.

At Sweeney Merrigan, one of New England’s leading plaintiff-side law firms, we pride ourselves on a low-ego, team-oriented workplace where everyone supports each other and works together toward excellence. We’re excited to meet passionate attorneys who are humble, hungry to grow, and people-smart, and who are eager to help our team deliver outstanding results for survivors and their families.

Position Summary:

Manage a high-volume caseload of sexual abuse and institutional negligence matters from intake through resolution. The Sexual Abuse Litigation Attorney is responsible for developing cases, communicating with survivors, coordinating investigations, conducting discovery, negotiating settlements, and litigating matters when necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a docket of sexual abuse and institutional liability cases.
• Conduct client consultations and ongoing client communications with professionalism, compassion, and discretion.
• Investigate claims and gather evidence from witnesses, institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other sources.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct depositions, mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances.
• Work with experts, investigators, and support staff to develop liability and damages evidence.
• Negotiate settlements with defendants, insurers, and institutional representatives.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case records in the firm’s case management system.
• Collaborate with firm leadership regarding litigation strategy and case evaluation.
• Deliver exceptional client service throughout the litigation process.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Rhode Island or eligible for admission.
• Approximately 5 years of litigation experience.
• Experience independently managing a significant caseload.
• Plaintiff-side personal injury, sexual abuse, civil rights, or complex litigation experience strongly preferred.
• Strong courtroom, deposition, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently while managing a substantial volume of cases.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Sound judgment and strategic thinking.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to communicate with trauma survivors.
• Team-oriented attitude with a commitment to a humble, hungry, and people-smart culture.

Certifications / Licenses:

• Active Rhode Island Bar membership required.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Primarily based in Rhode Island at the firm’s satellite office location.
• Ability to travel periodically throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts for litigation-related activities.
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods and occasionally review physical case files or records.

Compensation and Benefits:

Annual salary range: $90,000 – $130,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Full health benefits are available upon first day of employment and 401(k) matching is offered after one year of employment, with opportunities for professional growth on a collaborative and supportive legal team.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Sweeney Merrigan Law is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, including but not limited to those based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our clients and strengthens our firm culture.