Attorney-Associate

Weltman • Independence, OH

22d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Attorney achieves resolution of client issues through routine negotiation and/or litigation requiring fundamental legal knowledge and experience, and practices other phases of law on assignments of increasing complexity. The role represents clients in legal, administrative, and other proceedings; researches and interprets laws, rulings, and regulations; identifies causes of action; prepares lawsuits; conducts discovery; interviews clients and witnesses; and drafts legal documents. The Associate Attorney monitors case files and deadlines, participates in case strategy, negotiates settlements, maintains client relationships, and may assign and review department staff work. The position also supports the Firm's financial success, customer service, professionalism, collegiality, diversity, and community presence. The attorney must comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and other applicable consumer protection laws, as well as professional conduct and ethical standards.

The position operates in a professional office environment with low to moderate noise, moderate interruptions, and a well-lit, climate-controlled workspace. Regular attendance is an essential function.

Expected compensation is $79,202–$102,925, based on experience. Benefits include 21 days of annual paid time off, nine company-paid holidays, medical, prescription, dental, vision, 401(k), parental leave, life and disability insurance, promotional opportunities, community involvement and office events, employee discounts, and a free onsite fitness center.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree and 0–2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Current, valid Ohio license to practice law.
• Practice in accordance with the rules of professional conduct and ethical standards required by the attorney's licensing state.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and processes and documents specific to the assigned specialty area, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and other applicable consumer protection statutes and regulations.
• Ability to use electronic legal research tools such as LexisNexis and to interpret and apply legal principles and procedures.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, and court systems.
• Strong organizational, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and respond effectively and discreetly to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
• Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and verbally.
• Ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the position, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Act with the highest ethical standards and promote professionalism, collegiality, and diversity.
• Contribute directly and indirectly to the Firm's financial success and deliver excellent service to internal and external clients.
• Represent clients at legal, administrative, and other proceedings as assigned.
• Research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations, and formulate legal opinions for review.
• Investigate facts and applicable law to identify causes of action and prepare lawsuits.
• Conduct discovery in accordance with applicable rules.
• Interview clients and witnesses in preparation for legal proceedings.
• Review, draft, and/or dictate briefs, correspondence, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and other applicable consumer protection statutes and regulations.
• Participate in developing case strategy, arguments, and testimony.
• Represent and promote the Firm in the community and at public, social, and business gatherings as appropriate.
• Monitor routine case files, determine next steps, and ensure deadlines are maintained.
• Assign and review department staff work as required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with current clients.
• Negotiate to resolve cases, arrange legal settlements, and resolve routine issues as assigned.
• Complete required and applicable optional learning opportunities and all position-related required training.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 21 days of annual paid time off
• Nine company-paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Prescription coverage
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Parental leave
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Promotional opportunities from within the firm
• Community involvement initiatives, office parties, and competitions
• Employee perks and discounts from Verizon, car dealerships, local movie theaters, theme parks, and others
• Free onsite fitness center

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree