Litigation Associate

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a Litigation Associate in Grand Rapids, MI. The ideal candidate will have three to five years of litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, managing discovery, and participating in depositions and court proceedings. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior attorneys on complex litigation matters while developing courtroom and client advocacy skills.

Duties

• Handle all phases of litigation, from case initiation through trial and appeal.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery responses.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic case analysis.
• Manage discovery, including document review, depositions, and expert witness coordination.
• Attend hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and courts.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys to develop case strategy and trial preparation.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of litigation experience in a law firm or similar setting.

Education

• J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed or willing to become licensed in the State of Michigan.

Skills

• Strong research, legal writing, oral advocacy, persuasive speaking, analytical, and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and client needs effectively.
• Tech-savvy with familiarity in e-discovery tools, case management software, and legal research platforms.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Firm-provided life insurance and disability coverage.
• 401k with employer contribution or match depending on plan design.
• Generous PTO and leave policies.
• Firm holidays.
• Remote work flexibility.
• Wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities.

With four offices in Michigan and over 150 attorneys, this is truly one of the greatest places to work. Concentrating on a broad civil and criminal practices, these attorneys represent a broad spectrum of clients who are industry leaders, both nationally and internationally, including publicly traded companies, privately held companies, financial institutions and foreign corporations. Although founded primarily to serve clients in a corporate capacity, this firm now offers expertise in financial institutions (large practice), IP, employee benefits, litigation, real estate, tax, trusts and estates and health care. This firm is looking for attorneys with top academic credentials and it attracts many candidates who have practiced at major law firms. Associates seem happy here -- perhaps because they are allowed to choose areas of concentration and their average billables are lower than at other comparable firms. Associates love the non-competitive environment here. These attorneys are extremely cooperative with one another and are focused on the growth and development of the firm. The professional development programs here are exceptional. This firm definitely gets our gold star for its high-quality work, great atmosphere and investment in the development of its attorneys.