Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Warner & Fitzmartin, PLLC is a boutique plaintiff’s personal injury firm built for one purpose: to take care of injured people and bring the best possible client outcomes.

We’re looking for an Associate Attorney who combines real client care with real courtroom grit. You tell the truth (even when it’s hard), advocate passionately for clients, and you don’t disappear when things get busy. You can negotiate confidently, litigate strategically, and still treat injured clients like people who are living through one of the hardest seasons of their lives. You are also a team player and excited to join our team of truly superb legal professionals who care about clients as much as you do.

We have a simple rule: no ego, no drama, no “that’s not my job.” We all pitch in here; we protect clients, and we protect each other. If you think you’re too important to help with a task that keeps a case moving —even something small—this won’t be a fit. We also believe great lawyers should have great lives outside of work. When someone’s child is sick, the team covers. When deadlines hit, we handle them together. We expect grit and accountability, and we practice grace and teamwork.

SPECIAL BONUS : If your background is insurance defense, you’re still welcome here — you might just LOVE it!  In your cover letter, tell us what changed for you and why you want to advocate for injured people.  Tell us what you’ve learned that will make you a sharper plaintiff’s lawyer. 

This role is fully remote but requires in-person attendance for court hearings/appearances (and related events such as mediations, depositions, and trial) as needed. Candidates must reside within a reasonable driving distance of the relevant courts or be able to travel on short notice.

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU CAN:

• Move files with urgency and judgment, and you consistently resolve matters at strong case value through smart evaluation, relentless follow-through, and disciplined negotiation.

• Build complete, persuasive demand packages quickly, get them out the door consistently, and turn demands into real negotiations that do not stall.

• Close matters every month, not every quarter. You manage a pipeline, you do not get buried, and you keep the firm’s recovery engine running.

• Push each case toward fee-in or suit-filed with a clear plan, deadlines, and accountability across the team.

• Drive pleadings, discovery, depositions, and mediation with control, momentum, and an eye toward leverage.

• Schedule decisively, prepare thoroughly, and do not let defense delay tactics turn into lost months.

• Hold your standards without extensions and without last-minute chaos.

• Keep clients informed with proactive updates, clear explanations, and honest counsel, especially when the news is hard. You build trust through consistency and presence.

• Direct staff clearly, delegate well, and maintain organized files and documentation so nothing gets dropped and every case keeps moving.
  

COMPENSATION:

• $90,000 (commensurate with experience), plus eligibility for performance-based bonus compensation

$90,000 DOE + bonus

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a plaintiff’s personal injury litigation caseload from intake through settlement or trial under the direction of the Managing Partners.
• Develop and execute case strategy to advance client goals, maximize recovery, and keep matters moving on a timely, trial-ready track.
• Draft, review, and file pleadings, written discovery, motions, and correspondence with accuracy, clarity, and compliance with Florida rules and local procedures.
• Oversee the pre-suit process by guiding clients with professionalism and empathy, directing case managers and pre-suit staff, and ensuring deadlines and demand timelines are met.
• Prepare, take, and defend depositions of parties, fact witnesses, and experts (as appropriate to experience level), and assist with witness preparation and case theme development.
• Handle hearings, case management conferences, mediations, and other court appearances, and support trial preparation and trials in conjunction with the Managing Partners.
• Analyze and document liability, damages, and coverage issues early, elevate risks with proposed solutions, and ensure evidentiary gaps are identified and addressed.
• Prepare and negotiate settlement demands and resolutions; oversee settlement administration, including liens, subrogation, and disbursements to ensure accurate and compliant closing.
• Maintain proactive, high-touch communication with clients and professional communication with adjusters, opposing counsel, and medical providers to drive progress and set expectations.
• Use the firm’s case management and document systems to keep tasks, deadlines, notes, litigation plans, and file documentation current and actionable.
• Participate in regular case review meetings, provide concise status updates, and contribute to building our litigation processes as the firm scales.
• Collaborate closely with the Managing Partners and support staff, delegating appropriately and supporting a solutions-oriented team culture that keeps cases moving.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school required.

• Active membership and good standing with the Florida Bar (or ability to waive in).

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience litigating plaintiff’s personal injury cases or insurance defense.  Public Defender experience is a plus.

• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively with staff.

• Compassionate, client-centered approach and commitment to excellent client communication.

• Skilled in Microsoft 365 and modern legal-tech workflows, including PDF editors, document automation tools, case-management systems, e-signature platforms, structured calendaring/ticklers, and workflow templates.

• Commitment to ongoing continuing legal education (CLE) and professional growth; maintains current awareness of developments in corporate and litigation practice areas and integrates updates into team knowledge-sharing and firm procedures.

• Ability to attend in-person court appearances as needed; must be located within a reasonable travel distance or able to travel on short notice.

Warner & Fitzmartin, PLLC is a boutique personal injury and insurance claims firm founded by trial attorneys Aaron Warner and Elissa Fitzmartin. Based in Lake Worth Beach, the firm represents injured victims and policyholders throughout Florida in matters ranging from car, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents to slip and falls, negligent security, workers' compensation, dog bites, and wrongful death.

Drawing on extensive civil litigation and trial experience, the partners have recovered millions of dollars for deserving clients and are known for combining aggressive advocacy with highly personal, client-centered service. The firm maintains a 5.0 rating with more than 180 reviews and offers free consultations and 24/7 availability, reflecting a deep commitment to responsiveness, precision, and client care at every stage of clients’ cases.