Associate Attorney

Cranfill Sumner LLP • Wilmington, NC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Wilmington) is seeking an attorney with 3–7 years of civil defense litigation experience to join our professional liability defense team. This position offers meaningful responsibility, client exposure, and the opportunity to take ownership of cases. We are looking for a lawyer with a strong foundation in civil defense litigation who is ready to manage a challenging and rewarding caseload, exercise independent judgment, and contribute meaningfully to the continued success of our Wilmington office. While experience in professional liability and/or insurance defense is preferred, it is not required for candidates who bring strong litigation skills and a demonstrated ability to step into complex matters and learn quickly. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in client service, a proactive and organized approach to file management, and the ability to deliver high‑quality work in a fast‑paced environment. Experience with pleadings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, client communication, and courtroom advocacy in North Carolina Superior Court is essential. Attorneys in this role will be expected to handle matters with increasing independence, including strategic planning and direct interaction with clients, carriers, and opposing counsel. We value attorneys who reflect our firmwide commitment to collaboration, integrity, and continuous professional development. You should enjoy working in a team environment where self‑starters thrive, bring clear and persuasive written and oral advocacy, and approach litigation with both professionalism and practicality in all interactions. A portable book of business is always welcome, though not required. Cranfill Sumner offers competitive compensation, generous benefits, supportive leadership, flexible remote‑work opportunities, and a vibrant culture that empowers attorneys to build a sustainable and fulfilling practice aligned with both personal career goals and the needs of our clients. If you’re excited to grow your practice in a supportive and forward‑looking environment, work closely with experienced trial counsel, and build your future with our Firm, we’d love to hear from you. https://www.cshlaw.com/about/careers/

Requirements

• Active North Carolina law license, in good standing
• 3–7 years of civil defense litigation experience
• Ability to independently manage a diverse caseload
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to client service and collaborative teamwork

Nice To Haves

• Experience in professional liability defense and/or insurance defense litigation
• A portable book of business is always welcome, though not required.

Responsibilities

• Propound, respond to and assess written discovery
• Conduct and defend depositions, including preparation of clients and expert witnesses, and preparation for examination of adverse expert witnesses
• Prepare pleadings, motions and briefs, and legal research for complex matters in state and federal court
• Argue motions in state and federal court
• Provide excellent client service through written and verbal communication, including summaries, strategies, advocacy, updates, and counsel.
• Communicate in person and by telephone, email, etc. with opposing counsel to negotiate issues, including settlement and pre-mediation and pre-trial disclosures
• Prepare for and attend mediations, negotiate settlement, and review settlement documents
• Trial preparation including strategy; review and analysis of all factual and legal issues relating to compensability, valuation, and constitutional matters; preparation of witnesses, exhibits, motions in limine and supporting briefs; direct and cross examination; jury selection; opening and closing statements; and, arguing/defending motions.
• Collaboration and Communication appropriate for successful team-oriented work.
• Efficiency and Organization to manage an active caseload.
• General Technology Skills, e.g., GenAI; Billing Software; Microsoft Suite; Outlook; Westlaw or Lexis.
• Make individual and group presentations to potential clients

Benefits

• competitive compensation
• generous benefits
• supportive leadership
• flexible remote‑work opportunities
• vibrant culture that empowers attorneys to build a sustainable and fulfilling practice aligned with both personal career goals and the needs of our clients

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed