Associate Attorney – Civil Defense Litigation

Location: St. Louis, MO (Downtown | Primarily In-Office with Hybrid Flexibility)

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $100,000 – $120,000 Base Salary + Year-End Performance Bonus ($3,000–$20,000) + Profit Sharing

Step Out of the Back Office and Into the Courtroom

Are you a civil litigation associate tired of spending your days buried in document review? At Our Client, the best litigators learn by doing.

For 35 years, Our Client has built a reputation in St. Louis as a stable, high-caliber defense litigation powerhouse. They offer mid-level associates what big law can't: real courtroom experience early in your career, direct mentorship from lead trial attorneys, and a transparent, proven path to partnership—in fact, every single current principal at the firm started as an associate there.

If you are a driven litigator with 2–7 years of civil defense experience looking for a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact case outcomes, we want to speak with you.

Why Build Your Career with Our Client?

• Immediate Courtroom & Deposition Exposure: You won't just research cases; you will take and defend depositions, argue dispositive motions in state and federal court, and participate directly in trial preparation and proceedings.
• 100% Homegrown Partnership Track: Our Client invests in their people for the long haul. Career growth isn't a theoretical promise—their entire leadership team built their careers within the firm.
• Unmatched Professional Investment: Firm-sponsored continuing legal education, including top-tier trial training through the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers (MODL) Trial Academy and IADC programs.
• Truly Collaborative, Open-Door Culture: Work directly alongside firm principals who actively mentor you, value your input on case strategy, and support your professional trajectory.
• Balanced Work-Life Integration: While this role is primarily centered in their downtown office to foster team collaboration and onboarding, Our Client offers genuine flexibility for work-from-home needs when life, family, or personal obligations arise.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a Full Caseload: Lead civil defense matters across practice areas including commercial litigation, construction law, premises liability, personal injury defense, professional liability, civil rights, and insurance defense.
• Drive Case Strategy: Partner directly with principals to develop litigation strategies, conduct legal analysis, evaluate exposure, and prepare for trials.
• Courtroom & Deposition Practice: Regularly represent clients in Missouri state and federal courts, take and defend depositions, and handle oral arguments.
• Pleadings & Discovery: Draft compelling dispositive motions, pre-trial pleadings, interrogatories, and complex discovery responses under tight deadlines.
• Maintain Productivity: Consistently achieve monthly billable targets (165–200 hours/month average) while delivering exceptional work product.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: 2 to 7 years of civil defense litigation experience handling cases from initial pleadings through trial preparation.
• Bar Licensure: Active, good-standing license with the Missouri Bar (Required).
• Litigation Skillset: Strong legal writing, research, analytical skills, and comfortable handling complex commercial or tort litigation.
• Bonus Qualifications: Prior experience in construction law and/or an active Illinois Bar license are significant pluses.
• Mindset: A proactive, team-oriented attorney who thrives in an engaging, fast-paced litigation environment.

Benefits & Total Rewards

• Competitive Base Compensation: $100,000 – $120,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
• Tiered Incentive Bonuses: Annual year-end performance bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 based on billable achievements, plus annual profit-sharing (1%–3%).
• Signing Bonus: Case-by-case signing bonuses available for qualified candidates.
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with an immediate 3% firm match.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Perks & Tools: Firm-provided laptop, full technology stack (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Teams), and free reserved parking in downtown St. Louis.