Associate Attorney Construction Defect Defense

A law firm seeks a full-time Associate Attorney for its growing construction litigation defense team in Saint Petersburg, Florida. The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of experience in construction defect defense or civil litigation, although recent law school graduates will also be considered. This position offers substantial responsibility in representing clients across Florida involved in complex construction projects. The successful candidate will work closely with a team of experienced attorneys and have an opportunity to take on significant caseloads in a supportive, professional environment.

Duties:

• Case Management: Manage and handle all stages of construction defect defense cases, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Client Representation: Represent clients in litigation, including contractors, subcontractors, developers, material suppliers, and design professionals in construction-related disputes.
• Legal Drafting: Prepare legal documents such as pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and other case-related filings.
• Court Appearances: Attend hearings, depositions, and other court proceedings to advocate for clients.
• Collaboration: Work closely with senior attorneys, paralegals, and clients to strategize case plans and ensure timely execution.
• Research: Conduct legal research and provide a memorandum to support case development and litigation strategy.

Requirements:

• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in construction defect defense or civil litigation (recent law school graduates may be considered).
• Skills:
  • Strong written and oral communication abilities.
  • Proven ability to manage cases independently and work as part of a team.
  • Proficiency in legal research, drafting, and litigation procedures.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Licensing: Must be admitted to the Florida Bar and in good standing.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Active Florida Bar membership.

Skills:

• Litigation Experience: Proficient in managing litigation files and participating in the defense of construction defect claims.
• Legal Research: Strong ability to conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda.
• Client Interaction: Experience in communicating effectively with clients and other stakeholders.
• Court Representation: Skilled in preparing for and attending court hearings and depositions.
• Time Management: Capable of handling a high volume of cases and managing competing deadlines.

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan with employer matching.
• Health Insurance (including flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts).
• Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Nine Paid Holidays.

This is an excellent opportunity for an associate attorney looking to gain substantial hands-on experience in construction litigation defense within a supportive firm.