ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY JOB DESCRIPTION

An Associate Attorney handles what most clients never see: the motions that shape a case before it reaches a courtroom. The role owns discovery management, deposition conduct, and pre-trial preparation within a private law firm or insurance defense practice. Not a generalist support function. What makes it demanding is the simultaneous obligation to individual caseload performance - tracked against a billable hour requirement - and to courtroom readiness, where independent judgment under time pressure is the standard.

As the Associate Attorney, you manage an independent litigation caseload spanning discovery, motions practice, depositions, and trial preparation, directly determining the pace and outcome of each matter assigned. You operate within a supervising attorney structure where senior counsel sets case strategy and the Associate Attorney executes at the file level, serving clients in civil proceedings from district court through potential appeals.

Career Impact: Carrying an independent caseload from discovery through trial - including first-chairing hearings - builds courtroom credibility that is visible to courts, opposing counsel, and future employers in civil litigation markets.

Business Impact: When an Associate Attorney manages discovery deadlines and pre-trial filings accurately, clients avoid default judgments, sanctions, and missed appeal windows that are otherwise irreversible.

Growth Opportunity: The motion practice, deposition, and negotiation skills developed here are direct prerequisites for advancement to Senior Associate or counsel-level positions with expanded client advisory responsibility.

• Manage an independent civil litigation caseload from initial file review through resolution or trial.
• Draft pleadings, motions, oppositions, discovery requests, and pre-trial documents for each assigned matter.
• Conduct and defend depositions of percipient and expert witnesses across all case stages.
• Argue motions and opposition hearings before the court, both in person and remotely.
• Prepare witnesses for deposition and trial testimony in coordination with supervising attorneys.
• Negotiate pre-trial settlements and attend mediation, actively participating in resolution discussions.
• Supervise litigation assistants and paralegals, reviewing their work product for accuracy and completeness.
• Track and enter billable time daily, meeting the firm's minimum monthly billing requirement.

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school or equivalent bar-qualifying legal education.
• 2 or more years of civil litigation experience, with demonstrated motion practice and deposition exposure.
• Active bar admission in the jurisdiction of practice, in good standing with no disciplinary history.
• Ability to draft legal briefs, memoranda, motions, and pleadings with precision and independent judgment.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills, including the ability to present arguments clearly before a judge.
• Capable of managing multiple active files simultaneously while meeting court-imposed and internal deadlines.
• Organized, detail-oriented approach to case file maintenance, calendaring, and client communication.

• Prior experience taking lead in plaintiff or expert depositions with limited supervision.
• First-chair courtroom experience in motions hearings, pre-trial conferences, or bench proceedings.
• Familiarity with insurance defense litigation structures, including third-party claims and coverage analysis.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff or paralegals within a litigation team setting.

• Billable hour attainment rate, measured monthly against the firm's net write-down requirement.
• Motion win or favorable-ruling rate across argued hearings within the assigned caseload.
• Discovery response turnaround time, tracking compliance with court-ordered and statutory deadlines.
• Deposition completion rate per quarter, relative to scheduled depositions across active matters.
• Settlement achievement rate, reflecting pre-trial resolutions reached within client-authorized parameters.
• Typical tools: legal research platforms (commonly Westlaw or LexisNexis); case management software (commonly Clio or firm-specific litigation management systems).

• Base Salary Range: $75,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience and market.
• Bonus: Performance-based; tied to billable hour achievement and case outcomes.
• Equity: Not typical at the associate level in private law firm settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by firm size.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; bar examination and continuing legal education leave common.
• Common Perks: Bar dues reimbursement, CLE stipend, parking or transit benefit, 401(k) with firm match.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. All candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Associate Attorney owns a caseload of civil matters, attending depositions, court hearings, and site inspections while drafting legal briefs, responding to discovery requests, and negotiating settlement agreements. Working under client coordinator direction alongside case managers and docket clerks, the Associate Attorney enables consistent case progress and client service delivery across a high-volume practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend depositions, meetings, court hearings, and site inspections as directed by client coordinator.
• Track case status by monitoring weekly personal calendar and communicating regularly with case manager.
• Attend weekly round table and calendar meetings.
• Respond to discovery requests, draft and revise legal briefs, prepare witnesses for testimony, and negotiate and draft settlement agreements.
• Keep docket clerks apprised of changes to case calendars via email.
• Supervise staff and collaborate with other attorneys to successfully complete assignments.
• Enter billable time daily and meet a minimum billing requirement of 158.34 hours per month net of write downs.
• Ensure all functions are performed in accordance with applicable client guidelines on the firm intranet.
• Remain flexible and open to requests for support or assistance outside the scope of this job description.

Required Qualifications

• Open to new graduates (1–3-year associates) who have recently passed the California Bar Exam.
• Bachelor's degree and law degree required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate tactfully with a diverse group of attorneys, staff, and clients.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at prioritizing tasks.
• Role may require lifting of 25–50 lbs. and traveling to offsite locations for depositions, records collection, or court filings.

Reporting to senior leadership at Friedman Vartolo LLP, the Associate Attorney manages foreclosure caseloads from inception to resolution, drafting motions, reviewing title reports, and appearing in court across New York and New Jersey matters. Partnering with support staff whose work the Associate Attorney directly oversees, this role accelerates the firm's growth by delivering high-quality, deadline-driven legal outcomes.

Primary Duties

• Draft complaints, uncontested and contested motions.
• Review title reports and assist in legal strategy.
• Manage and organize caseloads from start to finish.
• Appear in court.
• Oversee support staff and review their work.

Skills & Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience handling foreclosure matters in New York State.
• Must be admitted in New York and New Jersey.
• Superior organizational, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and manage a heavy workload independently.
• Leadership qualities and ability to manage support staff.
• Eager to learn and grow professionally.

Sitting at the intersection of insurance defense and complex civil litigation, the Associate Attorney I controls all phases of case management from discovery and depositions through trial preparation, jury selection, and appellate recommendations. Operating across courts from District to Circuit level and before mediation and arbitration tribunals, the Associate Attorney I enables the company to resolve claims efficiently while protecting the interests of insureds and third-party clients.

Duties

• Control all aspects of litigation including trial preparation, discovery, negotiation, presentation, and appeals from District to Circuit Court.
• Review and analyze files, insurance policies, allegations, and pertinent medical and technical data.
• Consult with medical and accident reconstruction specialists regarding injuries and disabilities.
• Prepare responses to civil complaints and file appropriate motions when questions of law or liability are in dispute.
• Conduct discovery depositions, formulate interrogatories, and conduct examinations under oath under supervision.
• Prepare cases for trial by examining facts and developing trial strategy for a strong defense, including jury selection and pre-trial statements.
• Conduct full defense of cases including opening statements, witness examination, motions, and closing arguments.
• Prepare mediation summaries and appear before Mediation Tribunal; evaluate awards and decide whether to accept or proceed to trial.
• Negotiate reasonable pre-trial settlements and coordinate trial or settlement activity with co-counsel as necessary.
• Keep clients advised of case status, consult with third-party clients, and refer insureds to independent counsel when appropriate.
• Consult with senior attorneys and Practice Leader on case strategy, legal advice, and appeal recommendations.

Experience & Qualifications

• Knowledge of civil law, judicial procedures, rules of evidence, and discovery methods and techniques.
• Familiarity with mediation rules, procedures, and legal research principles and practices.
• Ability to draft legal memoranda, motions, and pleadings effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for interaction with attorneys, court officers, and the general public.
• Proficiency in office computer software including claims litigation management systems.
• Willingness to work irregular or extended hours to meet professional responsibilities and deadlines.

Embedded within a firm where estate planning is the primary practice, the Associate Attorney delivers legal services spanning document drafting and review, motions, legal research, and client court representation at the probate level. Working closely with paralegals, legal assistants, and contract attorneys under the firm owner's direction, the Associate Attorney supports client retention and business development through networking and marketing engagement.

Core Functions

• Oversee paralegals, legal assistants, and contract attorneys and address day-to-day performance issues.
• Perform quality legal work with very limited review and oversee entire matter files including regular client status conferences.
• First-chair all court hearings, primarily at the probate court level.
• Draft and review estate planning documents, perform legal research, and draft motions, pleadings, orders, judgments, and status updates.
• Oversee and analyze discovery and represent clients in court during motions and various hearings.
• Prospect for new clients through marketing, networking, writing articles, and speaking engagements when delegated by the owner.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Strong decision-making ability and willingness to take responsibility and grow from mistakes.
• Open to personal and professional development on a daily basis.
• Punctual, positive, and collaborative with strong people skills.
• Ability to work independently, think on one's feet, and handle the pressures of legal practice.

A key member of the firm's tax controversy practice, the Associate Attorney handles federal and state matters including examination, appeals, tax court litigation, and collection alternatives such as installment agreements and offers in compromise. Collaborating across IRS and state revenue agency interactions under the supervision of senior attorneys, the Associate Attorney advances client outcomes by delivering accurate legal research, financial analysis, and timely case management.

Functions

• Communicate effectively with clients and other counsel while working under the supervision of senior attorneys.
• Interact diligently with representatives from the IRS and state revenue agencies and prepare correspondence and legal documents accordingly.
• Prepare and analyze client financial reports and handle evaluation, risk assessment, and counseling on complex tax problems.
• Accurately track time and meet a 1,650 billable hour requirement; manage workflow to ensure deadlines are met.
• Conduct legal research using Lexis, Bloomberg, and other applicable platforms.

Position Requirements

• 0–5 years of tax controversy experience in a law firm, public accounting firm, or corporation.
• Active Bar license required; cover letter demonstrating legitimate interest in tax law must be provided.
• Proficiency in Adobe and MS Office, with expertise in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with superior organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with team members; strong technical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, open to constructive criticism, and committed to personal improvement.

Compensation based on performance; benefits include paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance, disability and life insurance, 3% 401k match, annual profit-sharing retirement contribution, and paid parking or monthly MARTA fare.

Consistent defense of healthcare providers across specialties from cardiology to physical therapy depends on the Associate Attorney, who researches complex malpractice law, develops litigation strategy, and represents clients across court appearances, depositions, and hearings. Based within a department under general supervisor oversight and working alongside attorneys, paralegals, and office staff, the Associate Attorney strengthens the firm's client relationships and supports business growth through networking and marketing efforts.

Accountabilities

• Research and interpret facts and law involving complex medical malpractice litigation and defense strategy.
• Review and analyze medical records and prepare memoranda on a variety of legal issues.
• Draft correspondence in response to questions or requests from clients, attorneys, judges, and agencies.
• Draft and answer written discovery and represent clients in court appearances, hearings, depositions, and meetings.
• Prepare and enter daily time entries.

Education & Experience

• 3–5 years of litigation experience; medical malpractice litigation experience with transferrable skills preferred.
• Law degree from an accredited law school with admission to the New Jersey Bar; additional bar admissions a plus.
• Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written form with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally with court officials, judges, attorneys, and the general public.
• Ability to collaborate extensively with other attorneys, paralegals, and office staff within established systems.
• Self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and committed to generating new clients through networking and marketing efforts.
• Comfortable with client meetings, public speaking, and maintaining high proficiency in advanced legal techniques.

Associate Attorney delivers full-cycle legal services in family law, managing discovery, drafting motions, advising clients on conflict resolution, and attending contested bench trials in property and custody matters. The work directly supports a Texas-based practice by enabling efficient case resolution through close collaboration with senior attorneys, paralegals, and staff at all levels.

What You'll Do

• Provide competent legal services including research, drafting motions, pleadings, orders, judgments, and status updates, and overseeing discovery.
• Manage the full discovery process and develop strategies for overall case success.
• Analyze conflicts, advise clients on solutions, and negotiate on their behalf.
• Resolve cases efficiently by working alongside senior attorneys and paralegals and maintaining organized, accurate files.
• Conduct legal research, prepare for and attend hearings and legal proceedings, and provide legal counsel with guidance from senior associates.

Background & Experience

• 3+ years of family law experience including first-chair experience in 5+ contested property and 5+ contested custody bench trials.
• J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing with the Texas Bar.
• Proficiency with Word, Outlook, Dropbox, electronic legal research, and basic case management software.
• Effective and clear communicator with excellent and creative writing skills.
• Positive attitude, problem-solving mindset, and willingness to learn from senior attorneys to grow the client base.

The Associate Attorney owns a civil litigation caseload with a focus on personal injury matters, handling pleadings, depositions, mediation briefs, pre-trial preparation, and active trial participation alongside senior and managing trial attorneys. Working with litigation assistants and paralegals within a California practice, the Associate Attorney enables effective case resolution through strategic evidence gathering, client communication, and ongoing professional development.

Key Deliverables

• Draft pleadings, discovery, meet and confer letters, and discovery motions.
• Argue motion and opposition hearings remotely and in court, and take and defend percipient and expert depositions.
• Prepare all pre-trial documents and trial materials and actively participate in trial with senior or managing trial attorney.
• Strategically litigate cases by obtaining key evidence, drafting mediation briefs, attending mediation, and negotiating settlements.
• Maintain regular client communication and assist in management of litigation assistants and paralegals.
• Attend regular trainings for professional development.

Requirements

• J.D. and active admission to the California Bar.
• At least 2 years of civil litigation experience.
• 1 year of personal injury law experience preferred.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Highly motivated, well organized, resourceful, and persistent.

Reporting to firm leadership, the Associate Attorney independently manages a litigation caseload in Illinois, conducting depositions, preparing and arguing motions, and supporting trial preparation from fact investigation through courtroom attendance. Partnering with senior attorneys and support staff, the Associate Attorney delivers accurate, well-researched legal work that enables efficient resolution of complex matters.

Role Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload and investigate facts.
• Review, analyze, and draft discovery requests.
• Conduct depositions and prepare witnesses for deposition and trial.
• Prepare and argue motions and provide trial preparation and support.
• Attend court hearings and trials and maintain accurate time records.

Professional Experience

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school; admitted to practice in Illinois.
• 1–5 years of litigation experience with experience in motion practice and depositions.
• Experience taking lead in plaintiff and expert depositions preferred.
• Superior research and writing skills with the ability to analyze complex matters.
• Capable of independent work in an organized and efficient manner with strong multitasking ability.