Pre-Litigation Attorney

Cesar Ornelas Law•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

Cesar Ornelas Law is seeking a motivated, results-driven Pre-Litigation Attorney to join its growing personal injury law firm. The attorney manages personal injury cases from initial attorney involvement through settlement or transition to litigation, taking ownership of an assigned caseload and developing strategies to achieve favorable outcomes for injured clients. The role involves evaluating liability and damages, negotiating with insurance carriers, advising clients, and collaborating with paralegals, case managers, medical providers, and other team members in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment. The attorney is expected to maintain client-focused, professional representation; comply with applicable Texas and New Mexico laws and professional responsibility requirements; meet established performance expectations; and maintain accurate case documentation and reporting. The firm emphasizes accountability, teamwork, client advocacy, operational excellence, and professional development.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active license and good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Prior experience handling personal injury matters, preferably in a plaintiff-side law firm.
Strong understanding of personal injury claims, liability analysis, damages evaluation, insurance coverage, and settlement negotiations.
Ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound legal judgment, and make strategic recommendations.
Proficiency with case management software and standard office technology.
Commitment to client advocacy, professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of personal injury experience.
Proven success negotiating personal injury settlements.
Experience managing automobile accident, trucking accident, premises liability, and other negligence claims.
Experience working with medical records, demand packages, medical liens, and settlement disbursements.
Experience supervising or providing legal direction to paralegals and case support staff.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned caseload of personal injury matters from pre-litigation through settlement or referral to the litigation department.
Review case facts, liability, medical records, treatment history, and damages to develop case strategies and identify potential legal or factual issues.
Monitor case progress and ensure timely treatment reviews, demand preparation, negotiations, and settlement activities.
Identify cases requiring litigation and coordinate their transition to the litigation team.
Maintain accurate and timely case notes, documentation, and status updates in the firm's case management system.
Prepare, review, and approve settlement demands supported by medical documentation, liability evidence, and damages analysis.
Negotiate with insurance adjusters and defense representatives to obtain favorable settlements.
Evaluate settlement offers and recommend resolutions based on case value, liability, damages, and client objectives.
Advise clients about settlement offers, risks, options, and the anticipated resolution process.
Maintain professional client communication about case progress, treatment, negotiations, and next steps; explain legal procedures, insurance issues, settlement options, and case developments clearly.
Set realistic client expectations, address concerns promptly, and provide responsive and respectful representation.
Protect client confidentiality and comply with ethical obligations.
Collaborate with paralegals, case managers, medical records personnel, and other departments to advance cases efficiently.
Provide legal guidance and direction to assigned support staff as appropriate.
Review case files for completeness, accuracy, and readiness for demand and settlement negotiations.
Identify workflow improvements and help resolve case-related bottlenecks.
Meet performance expectations for case progression, demand preparation, settlement negotiations, and client communication.
Prioritize matters based on case complexity, treatment status, and settlement opportunities; maintain accurate reporting and documentation for management oversight.