Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Attorney – Civil Defense Litigation

Location:

St. Louis, MO (Downtown | Primarily In-Office with Hybrid Flexibility) Position Type:

Full-Time Compensation:

$100,000 – $120,000 Base Salary + Year-End Performance Bonus ($3,000–$20,000) + Profit Sharing Step Out of the Back Office and Into the Courtroom

Are you a civil litigation associate tired of spending your days buried in document review? At

Our Client

, the best litigators learn by doing. For 35 years,

Our Client

has built a reputation in St. Louis as a stable, high-caliber defense litigation powerhouse. They offer mid-level associates what big law can't:

real courtroom experience early in your career, direct mentorship from lead trial attorneys, and a transparent, proven path to partnership

—in fact,

every single current principal at the firm started as an associate there. If you are a driven litigator with 2–7 years of civil defense experience looking for a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact case outcomes, we want to speak with you. Why Build Your Career with Our Client?

Immediate Courtroom & Deposition Exposure:

You won't just research cases; you will take and defend depositions, argue dispositive motions in state and federal court, and participate directly in trial preparation and proceedings. 100% Homegrown Partnership Track:

Our Client invests in their people for the long haul. Career growth isn't a theoretical promise—their entire leadership team built their careers within the firm. Unmatched Professional Investment:

Firm-sponsored continuing legal education, including top-tier trial training through the

Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers (MODL) Trial Academy

and

IADC programs

. Truly Collaborative, Open-Door Culture:

Work directly alongside firm principals who actively mentor you, value your input on case strategy, and support your professional trajectory. Balanced Work-Life Integration:

While this role is primarily centered in their downtown office to foster team collaboration and onboarding, Our Client offers genuine flexibility for work-from-home needs when life, family, or personal obligations arise. Key Responsibilities

Manage a Full Caseload:

Lead civil defense matters across practice areas including commercial litigation, construction law, premises liability, personal injury defense, professional liability, civil rights, and insurance defense. Drive Case Strategy:

Partner directly with principals to develop litigation strategies, conduct legal analysis, evaluate exposure, and prepare for trials. Courtroom & Deposition Practice:

Regularly represent clients in Missouri state and federal courts, take and defend depositions, and handle oral arguments. Pleadings & Discovery:

Draft compelling dispositive motions, pre-trial pleadings, interrogatories, and complex discovery responses under tight deadlines. Maintain Productivity:

Consistently achieve monthly billable targets (165–200 hours/month average) while delivering exceptional work product. What We're Looking For

Experience:

2 to 7 years of civil defense litigation experience handling cases from initial pleadings through trial preparation. Bar Licensure:

Active, good-standing license with the

Missouri Bar

(Required). Litigation Skillset:

Strong legal writing, research, analytical skills, and comfortable handling complex commercial or tort litigation. Bonus Qualifications:

Prior experience in

construction law

and/or an active

Illinois Bar license

are significant pluses. Mindset:

A proactive, team-oriented attorney who thrives in an engaging, fast-paced litigation environment. Benefits & Total Rewards

Competitive Base Compensation:

$100,000 – $120,000 annually (commensurate with experience). Tiered Incentive Bonuses:

Annual year-end performance bonuses ranging from

$3,000 to $20,000

based on billable achievements, plus annual

profit-sharing (1%–3%)

. Signing Bonus:

Case-by-case signing bonuses available for qualified candidates. Retirement Planning:

401(k) plan with an immediate

3% firm match

. Health & Wellness:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options. Perks & Tools:

Firm-provided laptop, full technology stack (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Teams), and

free reserved parking

in downtown St. Louis.