Attorney - Maritime

Job Description

Job Description

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is a premier insurance defense trial law firm with a presence spanning Florida, New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas. We are nationally recognized for our work in insurance defense, admiralty and maritime law, transportation and trucking, personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice defense, construction, subrogation, and products liability litigation.The firm holds an AV® Preeminent rating-the highest peer-review distinction from Martindale-Hubbell-and is consistently ranked among the most diverse law firms in South Florida. Our attorneys are known for delivering swift, lucrative results, backed by a 24/7 emergency action response team serving clients in domestic and international jurisdictions.No agency submissions accepted.Summary:We are seeking an Attorney that will work closely with Partners on matters involving maritime personal injury, Jones Act/maintenance and cure/unseaworthiness claims, general maritime law, limitations of liability, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) matters, and related insurance defense and maritime issues. The role includes managing assigned maritime matters, factual case development (e.g., interviewing witnesses, assessing medical records, etc.), preparing discovery demands and responses, drafting motions, preparing witnesses for depositions, participating in mediations, and assisting with trial and arbitration preparation. It may also include conducting depositions and arguing motions/court appearances depending on the Associate's skill level. The position requires a working knowledge of maritime statutes, regulations, and case law, strong motion practice skills, and the ability to travel for site inspections, vessel inspections, hearings, depositions, and court appearances as needed.Supervisory Responsibilities:This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. However, the individual may provide indirect guidance or task coordination to legal assistants, clerical staff, or interns in connection with case preparation and defense-related activities.Responsibilities:Supports in the defense and prosecution of maritime and admiralty matters.Manages assigned cases from intake through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.Handles matters involving the Jones Act, general maritime law, LHWCA, marine insurance, and maritime personal injury claims.Reviews and analyzes medical records, incident reports, vessel records, maintenance logs, and maritime employment documentation, and evaluates their impact on liability and damages.Conducts plaintiff, fact witness, and expert depositions*; prepares deposition outlines, exhibits, and summaries.Drafts and argues* discovery, dispositive and other motions, including motions to compel, motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, and appears at hearings* as required.Drafts motions in limine and other pre-trial materials and supports evidentiary and trial strategy in maritime proceedings.Participates in mediations, settlement negotiations, and settlement conferences as assigned.Conducts and attends site and vessel inspections and in-person depositions; travel is primarily regional and typically 2–3 days at a time as needed.Ensures compliance with federal and state court rules, maritime procedural requirements, and case management deadlines.Collaborates with legal assistants, paralegals, and the Partner to ensure cases progress efficiently and strategically.* Dependent upon skill level Education & Experience:Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.Admitted to practice in the state of Florida3–7 years of experience practicing maritime and admiralty law required.Experience handling Jones Act, general maritime, LHWCA, or maritime personal injury matters preferred.Experience conducting depositions preferred.Experience in the courtroom, including arguing motions, preferred. Experience drafting dispositive motions required.Mediation or settlement negotiation experience preferred.Federal court experience strongly preferred.No agency submissions accepted.Application Process:Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. All inquiries are kept confidential. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team.Essential Skills, Abilities & Competencies:While the specific job requirements may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all employees, which include but are not limited to:Communicate clearly and professionally-both verbally and in writing-with clients, attorneys, business professionals, and external parties. Produce high‑quality work product, respond to calls, and return correspondence promptly and efficiently. Deliver accurate, timely, and reliable work and consistently meet deadlines and performance expectations. Build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships. Adhere to all firm policies, procedures, and professional standards. Perform both sedentary and physical tasks, including: Working at a computer for extended periods (on-screen reading, drafting, and typing)Participating in virtual meetings and conference callsAttending in-person meetings as neededManage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced environment. Perform other duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.What We Offer:Competitive annual compensation package with bonus potential.Flexible working environment: career and work-life balance supported.Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Packages: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA Medical & FSA Dependent Care, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, EAP, and supplementary voluntary health plans.Biometric Wellness Screenings.Commuter Reimbursement Program (parking, train, bus, etc.).401(k) retirement plan with generous Firm match.Opportunities for creative freedom and idea exchange in an innovative workspace.Our Culture - Collaborate with a Dynamic Legal TeamAt Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, we cultivate talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We offer a vibrant, inclusive culture where professional growth is celebrated, and success thrives through innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Your voice will be heard, your contributions valued, and your potential realized.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementHamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind-for any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40+), disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, religion, and other protected needs and protect confidentiality and non-retaliation for individuals who raise discrimination concerns or participate in investigations.DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work performed by the employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and/or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. For this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.