Associate Attorney Insurance Defense

A law firm seeks a dedicated Associate Attorney to join its Missoula, MT office. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of experience in civil litigation, with a strong focus on insurance defense. This position provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all stages of litigation, from case initiation to trial. The successful candidate will work alongside seasoned attorneys, handling a variety of insurance-related claims, including personal injury, construction defects, and professional liability cases. This role offers the chance to grow professionally while contributing to a collaborative, high-performance environment.

Duties:

• Insurance Defense Representation:

  • Represent clients in insurance defense matters, such as personal injury, construction defects, professional liability, and bad faith claims.
  • Communicate directly with clients, opposing counsel, and expert witnesses throughout case development and litigation.

• Litigation Support:

  • Draft, review, and manage legal documents, including pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and responses.
  • Assist with trial preparation, including depositions, motions practice, and attending court hearings.
  • Conduct legal research to support case strategies and provide actionable insights.

• Collaboration & Client Relations:

  • Collaborate with senior attorneys to develop case strategies and tactics.
  • Assist in settlement negotiations and mediation as part of the litigation process.
  • Maintain and manage case files, ensuring timely compliance with deadlines.

Requirements:

• Licensing & Experience:

  • Current Montana Bar License in good standing (required).
  • 2+ years of experience in civil litigation, with preference given to those with experience in insurance defense.

• Skills:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to independently manage a caseload while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Proficient in legal research and the use of case management systems.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Clio billing and case management systems.

Education:

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

Certifications:

• Montana Bar Admission (required).

Skills:

• Insurance Defense Expertise: Knowledge of handling a wide range of insurance-related litigation matters.
• Legal Research: Ability to conduct thorough research and synthesize findings into actionable legal strategies.
• Litigation: Experience with trial preparation, depositions, and motion practice.
• Client Management: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain professional relationships with clients and opposing parties.
• Technology: Familiarity with Clio or other legal billing and case management software.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, dental, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
• A flexible work environment that prioritizes both mental and physical well-being.
• Competitive salary, based on experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for an attorney looking to grow their career within a well-established firm. If you have a strong foundation in civil litigation, particularly insurance defense, and are looking for an environment where you can thrive and develop professionally, this position could be a great fit for you.

This law firm provides a wide range of legal services. Their areas of practice include personal injury, transportation law, insurance defense, bad faith, unfair trade practices, and professional negligence. The firm is located in Montana.