Pre-Litigation Attorney

Cesar Ornelas Law•El Paso, TX

About The Position

Cesar Ornelas Law is seeking a motivated, results-driven attorney to manage personal injury cases from initial attorney involvement through settlement or transition to litigation. The attorney will own an assigned caseload, develop case strategies, evaluate damages, negotiate with insurance carriers, and work with paralegals, case managers, medical providers, and other team members to achieve favorable client outcomes. The firm describes its environment as fast-paced and performance-driven, with an emphasis on accountability, client advocacy, teamwork, and results. The role includes reviewing case facts, liability, medical records, treatment history, and damages; preparing and evaluating settlement demands and offers; negotiating with insurance adjusters and defense representatives; and advising clients about case progress, settlement options, risks, and next steps. The attorney will also guide support staff as appropriate, coordinate cases referred to litigation, maintain accurate case documentation, and comply with applicable Texas and New Mexico laws and professional responsibility requirements.

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 at 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.
Comfort managing competing priorities and making sound legal decisions.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of personal injury experience.
Proven success negotiating personal injury settlements.
Experience managing cases involving automobile accidents, trucking accidents, 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 the pre-litigation stage 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 to 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.
Communicate with clients about case progress, treatment, negotiations, and next steps; explain legal procedures and insurance issues clearly; and address concerns promptly.
Protect client confidentiality and comply with applicable ethical obligations.
Collaborate with paralegals, case managers, medical records personnel, and other departments to move cases forward efficiently.
Provide legal guidance and direction to assigned support staff as appropriate.
Review case files for completeness, accuracy, and readiness for demands and settlement negotiations.
Assist with workflow improvements and resolving case-related bottlenecks.
Meet performance expectations for case progression, demand preparation, settlement negotiations, and client communication.
Monitor and prioritize caseloads based on case complexity, treatment status, and settlement opportunities.
Maintain accurate reporting and documentation to support management oversight and operational accountability.
Comply with applicable Texas and New Mexico laws, court rules where applicable, and professional responsibility requirements.