Maritime Defense Attorney, Miami FL

Job Description

Job Description

About the Opportunity

A nationally recognized, multi-jurisdictional law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney to support Partners on complex maritime and admiralty matters . The firm is known for its strong reputation in insurance defense and litigation across a wide range of practice areas, and for delivering high-quality results in both domestic and international matters.

This role offers hands-on exposure to sophisticated litigation, including trial preparation, motion practice, and case strategy in a fast-paced environment.

⚖️ Position Summary

The Associate Attorney will work closely with senior attorneys on matters involving:

• Maritime personal injury
• Jones Act / maintenance & cure / unseaworthiness claims
• General maritime law
• Limitation of liability actions
• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
• Related insurance defense matters

⚖️ Key Responsibilities

• Support the defense and prosecution of maritime and admiralty matters
• Manage cases from intake through resolution , including:
• Discovery
• Motion practice
• Mediation and settlement negotiations
• Arbitration and trial preparation
• Conduct factual case development , including:
• Witness interviews
• Medical record analysis
• Review of vessel logs, incident reports, and employment documentation
• Draft and prepare:
• Discovery requests and responses
• Dispositive motions (motions to dismiss, summary judgment, etc.)
• Motions in limine and other pre-trial materials
• Conduct and/or assist with:
• Depositions (plaintiffs, fact witnesses, experts)
• Hearings and court appearances*
• Trial and arbitration preparation
• Participate in:
• Mediations and settlement conferences
• Site inspections and vessel inspections
• Ensure compliance with:
• Federal and state court rules
• Maritime procedures and litigation deadlines
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure efficient case progression

???? Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direct reports
• May provide guidance and coordination to legal assistants, paralegals, and support staff

✅ Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Active Florida Bar admission required
• 3–7 years of maritime/admiralty law experience required

Preferred Experience:

• Jones Act, LHWCA, or maritime personal injury cases
• Federal court litigation
• Taking depositions and courtroom appearances
• Mediation and settlement negotiations
• Strong experience drafting dispositive motions is required

???? Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent motion practice abilities
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously
• Clear and professional communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational ability
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment

✈️ Travel Requirements

• Travel required for:
• Depositions
• Hearings
• Site and vessel inspections
• Typically regional travel (2–3 days at a time)

???? Work Environment

• Combination of office-based work and travel
• Requires extended computer use, virtual meetings, and in-person appearances
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure

???? Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional offerings:
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Commuter reimbursement program
• Wellness initiatives and screenings
• Collaborative and innovative work environment