Litigation Attorney

Description

The Litigation Attorney is responsible for selecting client cases to take to trial and developing both pre-litigation and litigation strategies for cases within their assigned caseload. This role requires a combination of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage and collaborate with support staff to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

Provide oversight for Legal Assistants and Paralegals, guiding them in the execution of tasks aligned with case strategies and ensuring efficient case management. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Case Review & Client Interaction:
  • Review client intakes and initial case documentation.
  • Conduct initial meetings with clients to assess the merits of cases and determine which cases to pursue.
• Litigation Strategy Development:
  • Develop comprehensive pre-litigation and litigation strategies tailored to each client’s case.
  • Make strategic decisions regarding case direction, including settlement offers and trial preparation.
• Case Management & Delegation:
  • Assign tasks and oversee the work of legal assistants and paralegals to ensure smooth case progression.
  • Collaborate with the team to ensure all necessary documents, pleadings, and evidence are prepared on time.
• Communication & Negotiation:
  • Correspond with insurance adjusters, opposing counsel, and other legal professionals regarding case developments and negotiations.
  • Participate in settlement negotiations, depositions, and mediations.
• Discovery & Trial Preparation:
  • Lead discovery processes, including taking depositions, participating in pretrial hearings, and developing trial strategies.
  • Oversee the preparation of trial exhibits, witness preparation, and any other aspects of trial readiness.
• Trial & Post-Trial Duties:
  • Actively participate in the trial, presenting arguments, questioning witnesses, and managing case exhibits.
  • Execute judgments and oversee the distribution of settlement or verdict payments.
  • Participate in the appeals process, including preparing appellate briefs and presenting arguments.
• Mass Tort Coordination:
  • Assist with the development of mass tort pre-litigation and litigation strategies.
  • Collaborate with mass tort attorneys to supervise support staff and ensure case progress.  
• Other Duties:
  • Perform additional duties as assigned, including assisting with administrative tasks, case file management, or any other legal needs that arise.

Requirements

Must be a licensed attorney for the State of Montana.

• Experience: Minimum of 2+ years in Civil Litigation.
• Skills: Strong legal research, writing, and negotiation skills; ability to handle multiple cases simultaneously; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary to Light Activity
  • Bending / Stooping
  • Reaching Above / Below the Waist
  • Pushing / Pulling
  • Kneeling
  • Standing
  • Sitting
  • Walking

Working Conditions:

• Frequent interaction with co-workers, vendors, and clients.
• Availability for work during nights and weekends as needed to meet deadlines or attend trials/hearings.
• Primary working environment: Office setting.

Note: This document is not all-inclusive and may be amended as necessary to meet the changing needs of the organization. Additional duties, responsibilities, and expectations may be added at the discretion of the Owning Attorney.