Personal Injury Attorney - Pre-Litigation

Job Description

Job Description

The Smith Law Center has fought for the seriously injured since 1949. For more than 75 years, we’ve stood with individuals and families after life-changing accidents, securing justice in traumatic brain injury, catastrophic, and other serious injury cases.

We are a trial-driven team known for results in the courtroom and compassion with clients. From our renovated offices in historic Hampton, VA, we blend decades of experience with modern technology to deliver life-changing outcomes. At our core, we are mission-driven: relentless in pursuit of justice, grounded in empathy, and united by the belief that every client deserves to be heard.

Why This Role Matters

Clients trust us to handle every detail of their case while they focus on recovery. As a Pre-Litigation Attorney, you will manage pre-suit personal injury matters, oversee settlement strategy, and ensure cases are actively advanced toward resolution or litigation.

You will supervise pre-litigation case managers and work directly with litigation attorneys to prepare cases for settlement, mediation, or trial. This role is ideal for a Virginia-licensed attorney who can balance legal judgment, efficiency, and client-focused advocacy.

Notice to Candidates

Qualified applicants will be invited to complete a short Prevue assessment. This brief online survey is not a legal test — it helps us understand your communication style and working approach to ensure that you are a good fit for the team.

Compensation:

$95,000

Responsibilities:

What You Will Do

• Manage a caseload of personal injury matters during the pre-suit phase from intake through resolution or transfer to litigation

• Supervise and support pre-litigation case managers, providing legal guidance and accountability to case flow expectations

• Evaluate liability, damages, insurance coverage, and treatment progression to determine case strategy and timing

• Review, revise, and approve pre-suit settlement demands to ensure accuracy, completeness, and strategic positioning

• Negotiate directly with insurance adjusters to pursue timely and favorable resolutions aligned with client goals and firm value thresholds

• Serve as the legal escalation point for client questions, concerns, and settlement discussions

• Ensure settlement proceeds are timely received and properly handled through final distribution and closing

• Coordinate with Litigation Attorneys to transition cases into suit when appropriate, ensuring organized records, evaluations, and demand history

• Enter, update, and maintain case data in our case management system with accuracy and attention to deadlines

• Handle trials for cases that can be resolved through the General District Court and, if necessary, appeals of those cases to the Circuit Court

Qualifications:

What We Are Looking For

• Active Virginia law license in good standing

• Two to three-plus years of experience handling Virginia personal injury matters

• Strong negotiation skills and sound professional judgment

• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and hold team members accountable

• Excellent communication skills with a balance of empathy and professionalism

• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage a high-volume caseload with strict attention to detail and deadlines

• Strong working knowledge of Neos (or similar legal case management systems) and Microsoft Office Suite

• Calm under pressure, team-oriented, and committed to client service and case quality

About Company

The Smith Law Center has fought for the seriously injured since 1949. For nearly 80 years, we have stood with individuals and families after life-changing accidents, securing justice in traumatic brain injury, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and other serious injury cases.

Why Join Us:

• Competitive salary

• Benefits available include health, dental, vision, and 401(k)

• Hybrid flexibility based on performance and experience

• Direct courtroom exposure and meaningful litigation experience

• Clear expectations tied to workflow efficiency and case progression

• A culture built on accountability, growth, and excellence in advocacy