Pitzer - Associate Attorney -- Civil Defense Litigation

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Attorney — Civil Defense Litigation | St. Louis, MO | $100K–$120K + Bonus - 27778890

We’re partnering with one of St. Louis's most respected civil defense firms to find a mid-level Associate Attorney who wants more than a desk job — someone ready to be in courtrooms, depositions, and strategy sessions alongside experienced principals from day one.

This is a firm that has been doing things the right way for 35 years. All of the current principals came up as associates here. The partnership track is real, the caseload is consistent, and the culture is genuinely collaborative — attorneys at every level work side by side with an open-door policy that's rare in litigation practices of this caliber.

If you're a civil defense litigator who wants meaningful courtroom exposure early, a clear path to partnership, and a firm that invests in your development — this is worth your time.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing a full caseload of civil defense matters across construction, premises liability, personal injury defense, professional liability, civil rights, and insurance defense
• Working directly alongside principals on case strategy, motions practice, depositions, and trial preparation — not buried in doc review, but actively practicing law
• Drafting discovery, dispositive motions, and pre-trial pleadings while managing multiple matters under firm deadlines
• Taking and defending depositions and representing clients in state and federal court hearings
• Maintaining billable hour targets (165–200 average billable hours per month) while delivering high-quality work product
• Participating in firm-sponsored continuing education including in-house CLEs, Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers Trial Academy, and IADC programs

What We're Looking For

• 3–7 years of civil defense litigation experience with exposure to complex commercial litigation matters — you've managed cases from pleadings through trial, not just supported them
• Active Missouri Bar license — this is a hard requirement; Illinois licensure (or willingness to obtain it) is a meaningful plus
• Comfortable with billable hour requirements and experienced tracking them — candidates coming exclusively from non-litigation practice areas (estate planning, transactional, etc.) are not the right fit for this role
• A genuine interest in becoming a long-term partner in the St. Louis legal community — this firm promotes from within and is looking for someone who wants to build a career here, not use it as a stepping stone
• Currently based in or willing to relocate to St. Louis at your own expense — the role is five days in-office during onboarding and integration; relocation assistance is not available
• Bonus: Construction law experience or familiarity with construction defect matters

Compensation & Benefits

Component

Details

Base Salary

$100,000 – $120,000

Year-End Bonus

$3,000 – $20,000 based on billable hour performance

401(k)

3% firm match

Profit Sharing

1–3% annually based on firm performance

Health Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Continuing Education

Firm-sponsored CLEs, trial academies, and IADC programs

Equipment

Firm-issued laptop

Parking

Free parking in downtown St. Louis

This Role Is NOT For You If...

• You're looking for a 9-to-5 environment — civil defense litigation requires commitment, and this firm is upfront about that expectation
• Your background is exclusively in non-litigation practice areas without billable hour experience
• You need the firm to cover relocation costs or are not currently licensed in Missouri
• You're looking for a short-term position — this firm is investing in future partners, not revolving-door associates

Interview Process

The process moves quickly — typically 2–3 weeks from initial conversation to offer. It starts with a phone screen, followed by an in-person meeting with up to three principals. Reference and background checks are completed post-interview. Ideal start date is two weeks after offer acceptance.

This is a rare opportunity to join a stable, well-regarded civil defense firm where your work actually matters, your development is taken seriously, and the path from associate to principal is one that people in this building have already walked.

???? Send your resume and a brief note on your civil defense experience to View email address on ziprecruiter.com

This search is being conducted by Cube Management on behalf of our client. The firm name will be shared with qualified candidates.