Pre-Litigation Attorney

Cesar Ornelas Law is seeking a motivated and results-driven Pre-Litigation Attorney to join our growing personal injury law firm. This position is ideal for an attorney with strong negotiation, communication, and case management skills who is committed to advocating for injured clients and maximizing case outcomes.

The Pre-Litigation Attorney will manage personal injury cases from initial attorney involvement through settlement or transition to litigation. The successful candidate will take ownership of an assigned caseload, develop effective case strategies, evaluate damages, negotiate with insurance carriers, and work collaboratively with paralegals, case managers, medical providers, and other team members to achieve favorable results for our clients.

At Cesar Ornelas Law, we value accountability, client advocacy, teamwork, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management and Strategy

• Manage an assigned caseload of personal injury matters from the pre-litigation stage through settlement or referral to the litigation department.
• Review case facts, liability,  medical records, treatment history, and damages to develop effective case strategies.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each case and identify potential legal or factual issues.
• Monitor case progress to ensure timely completion of treatment reviews, demand preparation, negotiations, and settlement activities.
• Identify cases requiring litigation and coordinate an efficient transition to the litigation team when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, documentation, and status updates in the firm's case management system.

Settlement Negotiations

• Prepare, review, and approve settlement demands supported by medical documentation, liability evidence, and damages analysis.
• Negotiate directly with insurance adjusters and defense representatives to obtain favorable settlements.
• Evaluate settlement offers and provide recommendations based on case value, liability, damages, and client objectives.
• Advise clients regarding settlement offers, risks, options, and the anticipated resolution process.
• Work toward maximizing settlement outcomes while maintaining appropriate case timelines and client expectations.
• Identify opportunities to resolve claims efficiently without compromising the client's interests.

Client Communication and Advocacy

• Maintain consistent and professional communication with clients regarding case progress, treatment, settlement negotiations, and anticipated next steps.
• Explain legal procedures, insurance issues, settlement options, and relevant case developments in a clear and understandable manner.
• Establish realistic client expectations and address concerns promptly.
• Ensure clients receive responsive, respectful, and professional legal representation throughout the pre-litigation process.
• Protect client confidentiality and comply with all applicable ethical obligations.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborate with  pre-litigation paralegals, case managers, medical records personnel, and other departments to ensure cases progress efficiently.
• Provide legal guidance and direction to assigned support staff as appropriate.
• Review case files for completeness, accuracy, and readiness for demand and settlement negotiations.
• Assist in identifying workflow improvements and resolving case-related bottlenecks.
• Support the firm's overall performance goals through effective case management, communication, and teamwork.

Compliance and Performance

• Maintain compliance with applicable Texas and New Mexico laws, court rules where applicable, and professional responsibility requirements.
• Meet established performance expectations for case progression, demand preparation, settlement negotiations, and client communication.
• Monitor caseloads and prioritize matters based on case complexity, treatment status, and settlement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate reporting and documentation to support management oversight and operational accountability.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Prior experience handling personal injury matters, preferably in a plaintiff-side law firm.
• Strong understanding of personal injury claims, liability analysis, damages evaluation, insurance coverage, and settlement negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound legal judgment, and make strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency with case management software and standard office technology.
• Commitment to client advocacy, professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of personal injury experience.
• Proven success negotiating personal injury settlements.
• Experience managing cases involving automobile accidents, trucking accidents, premises liability,  and other negligence claims.
• Experience working with medical records, demand packages, medical liens, and settlement disbursements.
• Experience supervising or providing legal direction to paralegals and case support staff.

Cesar Ornelas Law is a growing personal injury law firm committed to strong client advocacy, operational excellence, and professional development. Our team works in a fast-paced environment where initiative, accountability, and results matter.

Candidates should be comfortable managing competing priorities, making sound legal decisions, and contributing to a collaborative team focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Cesar Ornelas Law is an equal opportunity employer.