General Litigation Associate

A law firm seeks a General Litigation Associate to join its team in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of experience in general litigation defense, with a focus on areas such as premises liability, auto, product, and professional liability. The firm offers a supportive environment that emphasizes professional development and provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working directly with partners. The successful candidate will be an organized self-starter with the ability to manage tasks independently while maintaining effective communication with clients and colleagues.

Duties:

• Independently manage a caseload related to general litigation defense, focusing on premises liability, auto accidents, product liability, and professional liability cases.
• Take and defend depositions, and handle all aspects of discovery, including drafting and responding to written requests.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and other legal documents to support case progress.
• Represent clients in mediation, case management conferences, and court hearings.
• Provide consistent updates to clients and stakeholders regarding the status of cases.
• Collaborate with partners and colleagues to develop strategies for case resolution.
• Manage deadlines and prioritize multiple tasks to ensure timely and efficient case handling.

Requirements:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in general litigation defense, particularly in premises liability, auto, products, and professional liability matters.
• Strong experience managing a caseload independently, including taking depositions and handling discovery.
• Ability to draft legal documents, including pleadings and motions, with minimal supervision.
• Proven track record of representing clients in mediations, case management conferences, and court hearings.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Must be a self-starter, proactive in managing tasks and keeping all parties informed.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Florida.

Skills:

• Experience in defense litigation, particularly in insurance-related matters.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in managing cases.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.
• Proficient in legal research and case management software.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan options.
• Paid time off and flexible work options.
• Professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment.

This law firm has offices in London, New York, New Jersey, Florida, California and Illinois and has about 100 attorneys in the team. The firm was established in the late 1960s and works in the areas of professional liability, civil rights, toxic torts, complex and multi-district litigation, general liability, trucking and transportation, environmental law, medical malpractice, appellate, technology, bad faith and extra-contractual, claims management, premises liability, insurance coverage/reinsurance and product liability.