Associate Attorney

Insurance Defense Associate Attorney | Third Party Liability Salehi Boyer Lavigne Lombana, P.A. is seeking an experienced Insurance Defense Associate Attorney to join its expanding third party liability practice. This is a hands on litigation position for an attorney who has actual experience defending liability claims and is prepared to take meaningful ownership of an active Florida caseload. The successful candidate will handle matters at different stages of litigation, including cases recently transferred from other defense firms, and must be able to quickly determine procedural posture, identify deadlines, evaluate liability and damages, develop a litigation plan, and move the case forward. We are looking for an attorney who can own files, exercise judgment, communicate directly with clients, and independently handle routine litigation responsibilities, while obtaining partner guidance on significant exposure, strategic decisions, and trial preparation. This is not primarily a first party property or insurance coverage position. Candidates whose experience is principally first party property, coverage analysis, document review, or nonlitigation work must also demonstrate substantial hands on third party liability defense experience. Construction defect experience is a substantial plus. However, strong general liability, premises liability, or bodily injury defense experience is more important than a narrow construction background. Primary Practice Areas The attorney's caseload may include: Bodily injury and general negligence Construction defect and construction related liability Wrongful death and catastrophic injury Condominium and homeowners association liability Property damage and subrogation claims Contractual indemnity and additional insured disputes arising within liability cases Professional liability and other specialty liability matters The position is primarily focused on third party liability defense. Opportunities may also arise in professional liability, employment practices liability, management liability, and complex commercial litigation. What We Need We are seeking an attorney who can assume responsibility for an active litigation docket without requiring daily assignment of each next task. The ideal candidate can: Review a new or transferred file and independently identify the case posture, immediate deadlines, missing materials, exposure, and required next steps Develop a practical and case specific litigation strategy Analyze liability, comparative fault, causation, damages, coverage related defense issues, and settlement value Take and defend depositions without extensive supervision Prepare insureds and corporate representatives for testimony Manage discovery and motion practice proactively Work effectively with medical, engineering, construction, liability, and damages experts Prepare clear and substantive carrier reports, litigation plans, budgets, evaluations, and settlement recommendations Communicate directly and professionally with insurance adjusters, insured clients, opposing counsel, experts, mediators, and the court Identify when an issue can be handled independently and when partner involvement is required Maintain control of court deadlines, discovery obligations, expert deadlines, reporting requirements, and case strategy Manage multiple active matters while maintaining quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail Responsibilities Manage third party liability matters from assignment through settlement, dismissal, summary judgment, trial, or appeal Audit newly assigned and transferred files, including comparison of the file materials against the court docket and operative case management orders Identify missing pleadings, discovery, orders, expert materials, demand correspondence, and other critical documents Prepare answers, affirmative defenses, motions, dispositive motions, discovery, memoranda, and trial filings Take and defend depositions of plaintiffs, fact witnesses, corporate representatives, treating physicians, retained experts, and other witnesses Prepare insureds, corporate representatives, and fact witnesses for deposition and trial Review and analyze medical records, billing records, employment records, contracts, photographs, expert reports, repair estimates, and other evidence Develop liability, causation, damages, and exposure evaluations Retain and manage appropriate experts and consultants Attend hearings, mediations, inspections, arbitrations, case management conferences, calendar calls, and trials Prepare carrier reports, litigation plans, budgets, mediation evaluations, and settlement recommendations Evaluate proposals for settlement, time limited demands, indemnity tenders, and additional insured issues Negotiate settlements and participate meaningfully in mediations Develop and pursue dispositive motion opportunities when supported by the facts and law Coordinate with codefense counsel in multiparty litigationMaintain timely communication with the client, insured, supervising partner, and litigation team Prepare cases for trial and participate in trial as experience and case needs warrant Required Qualifications Juris Doctor from an accredited law school Active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar Meaningful hands on civil litigation experience Demonstrated experience handling third party liability or insurance defense matters Experience drafting substantive pleadings and motions Experience taking or defending depositions Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills Strong organizational and case management abilities Ability to work independently while remaining responsive to partner direction and client expectations Ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities without requiring repeated follow up Professional judgment, accountability, and attention to detail Ability to communicate clearly with insurance carrier clients and insureds Preferred Experience Approximately three to eight years of civil litigation experience At least two years of third party liability or insurance defense experience Independent management of an active liability caseload Premises liability and bodily injury defense Significant injury or wrongful death litigation Condominium or homeowners association liability Negligent security or liquor liability matters Taking and defending corporate representative depositions Working with medical, engineering, construction, or liability experts Preparing detailed carrier reports and case evaluations Attending mediations and substantive court hearings Summary judgment practice Trial preparation or trial experience Familiarity with insurance carrier billing guidelines, litigation budgets, reporting requirements, and settlement authority procedures First chair trial experience is valued but not required. The candidate should, however, be comfortable preparing cases through trial and interested in developing greater trial responsibility. Remote Work Attorneys may work remotely but must reside in Florida. The attorney must be available to attend in person depositions, hearings, mediations, inspections, trials, and other proceedings throughout Florida when required. Professional Development SBLL provides a structured ninety day mentorship and integration program, direct access to experienced partners, ongoing attorney training, and regular litigation seminars. The firm invests in systems, technology, and professional development designed to help attorneys become stronger litigators, better strategic decision makers, and trusted advisors to insurance carrier clients and insureds. Attorneys who demonstrate strong judgment, communication, accountability, client service, and performance will have opportunities to assume greater responsibility, handle more sophisticated matters, participate in trials, develop client relationships, and advance within the firm. Compensation and Benefits Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, demonstrated litigation ability, and the level of responsibility the candidate is prepared to assume. SBLL offers a comprehensive benefits package, performance based bonus opportunities, remote work flexibility, ongoing professional development, and a defined opportunity for advancement. Application Requirements Applicants should submit a resume and a brief statement addressing the following: The types of third party liability or insurance defense matters they have handled The approximate size and nature of the litigation caseload they have independently managed Their experience taking and defending depositions Their experience attending hearings and mediations Whether they have handled construction defect matters Their experience preparing carrier reports, evaluations, and litigation plans Their current Florida residence and ability to attend proceedings throughout the state Applications that do not demonstrate meaningful third party liability litigation experience may not be considered for this position. About SBLL Salehi Boyer Lavigne Lombana, P.A. is a rapidly growing Florida litigation firm representing insurers, businesses, property owners, associations, professionals, and other insured clients in complex civil litigation throughout Florida. The firm is focused on developing attorneys who can independently evaluate cases, make sound strategic decisions, communicate effectively with sophisticated clients, and deliver consistent results. Our culture emphasizes accountability, communication, judgment, preparation, client service, innovation, and long term professional growth. Equal Opportunity Employer Salehi Boyer Lavigne Lombana, P.A. is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr