Associate Attorney - Strategic Litigation Team

GMKE is looking for qualified candidates with litigation experience who would be excited to join a strategic litigation team led by Partner Nik Makarenko who will mentor you to develop your litigation and trial skills. The ideal candidate is someone who is eager to learn from experienced litigators, wants to take on lead counsel responsibility on their own limited caseload but also assist the partner on the team with complex litigation related assignments. We are looking for a true team player who is committed to putting time and energy into developing their craft as a litigator.

Who We Are

Groth, Makarenko, Kaiser and Eidex is a premier civil defense firm in the Southeast building the future of insurance defense to ensure the best outcome for every carrier and every insured, in every case. Nik Makarenko is a very experienced trial attorney with over 150 jury trials, this is an opportunity to learn from and work with one of the best and most accomplished litigators in Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Conduct case intake, reviewing files, speaking with insured clients, and gathering key information from claim files

• File responsive pleadings within statutory deadlines, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedural requirements

• Draft and serve discovery requests and responses, coordinating with clients to obtain necessary information

• Communicate directly with insureds and claims representatives to provide case updates and manage expectations

• Take and defend depositions, applying strategic questioning techniques to assess credibility and claim validity

• Analyze non-party records, including prior medical histories and employment records, to identify inconsistencies in plaintiff testimony

• Prepare detailed case evaluations, summarizing legal issues, liability assessments, and potential exposure for insurance carriers

• Engage in motion practice, drafting and arguing motions to dismiss, summary judgment motions, and other pretrial motions

• Develop and execute litigation strategies, working collaboratively with senior attorneys and support staff

• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations, advocating for cost-effective resolutions while protecting client interests

• Prepare cases for trial, including jury selection strategy, witness preparation, and trial exhibit organization

• Represent clients in court proceedings, handling motion hearings, arbitrations, and trials with confidence and professionalism

• Meet a 1,750 annual billable hour requirement while maintaining an updated task list in the firm’s practice management system to ensure accurate time tracking, data integrity, and seamless case handoffs

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active membership in the Georgia State Bar with some litigation experience

• 2 to 4 years of insurance defense experience

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage a caseload effectively

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions, depositions, and court advocacy

• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and handle fast-moving litigation deadlines

• Resourceful, proactive, and self-sufficient in problem-solving—able to anticipate needs, seek out solutions, and take initiative without waiting for direction

• Values-driven, with a natural commitment to integrity and accountability, a strong alignment with GMKE’s core values, and a willingness to engage in and contribute to firm culture

• Prior experience in insurance defense or litigation is preferred but not required

• Willingness to take ownership of cases, engage in courtroom advocacy, and develop trial experience

Diversity At GMKE

GMKE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, fully complying with state, federal, and local laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve, recognizing that varied perspectives and experiences enhance both our workplace and our approach to client needs.