Litigation Associate - Insurance Defense

SMITH FREED & EBERHARD PC • Portland, OR

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced litigation associate who wants more than another insurance defense position. This position is for the attorney ready to work side-by-side with our Managing Partner on complex, high-exposure litigation – not years from now, but immediately. You will help develop litigation strategy, take depositions, argue motions, prepare witnesses, participate in mediations and trials, and work directly with clients on significant cases. If you are looking for an environment where your work influences the outcomes of important litigation, and where your professional growth is limited only by your ability – you will find it here. Work on complex commercial insurance defense litigation involving: Catastrophic injury claims, Commercial transportation litigation, Premises liability, Products liability, Dram shop liability, Complex negligence actions, Other high-exposure civil litigation matters. As your experience grows, so will your opportunities. We believe talented attorneys should earn opportunities based on ability – not simply years in practice. Direct Access to Firm Leadership – collaborate directly with the Managing Partner on strategy, client counseling, case evaluation and resolution strategy. Meaningful Responsibility – from the beginning, you will have opportunities to: Take and defend depositions, Argue contested motions, Develop litigation strategy, Attend arbitrations and mediations, Manage litigation from inception through resolution. Learn Defense Litigation at a Higher Level – beyond learning procedure, learn how experienced litigators evaluate risk, negotiate effectively, communicate with clients, and make strategic decisions that determine case outcomes. Invest in Your Future – we believe outstanding attorneys are developed through challenging work, thoughtful mentorship, and meaningful litigation experience.

Requirements

• Active Oregon State Bar membership
• 3+ years of insurance defense litigation experience
• Experience managing civil litigation files
• Strong deposition skills
• Strong motion practice skills
• Strong discovery skills
• Courtroom experience, including hearings and arbitrations
• Excellent writing abilities
• Excellent analytical abilities
• A genuine desire to become an exceptional litigator

Nice To Haves

• Trial experience

Responsibilities

• Develop litigation strategy
• Take depositions
• Defend depositions
• Argue contested motions
• Prepare witnesses
• Participate in mediations
• Participate in trials
• Work directly with clients on significant cases
• Attend arbitrations
• Attend mediations
• Manage litigation from inception through resolution
• Evaluate risk
• Negotiate effectively
• Communicate with clients
• Make strategic decisions

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Paid bar dues, CLEs, PLF, and professional memberships
• Paid parental leave
• Student debt assistance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Parking or mass transit reimbursement
• Voluntary short- or long-term disability, life, and pet insurance
• Attorney retreats and professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

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