Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
About CMDA Law
Founded in 1965, CMDA Law (Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C.) is an established, AV-rated, multi-state law firm serving municipalities, businesses, insurers, and individuals. The firm is recognized for its strength in litigation and public-sector representation, including municipal law, insurance defense, employment and labor law, and complex civil disputes.
For more than 60 years, CMDA has earned the trust of clients, courts, and peers by providing high-quality, cost-conscious legal counsel and practical, results-oriented advocacy. Our collaborative culture, professional autonomy, and institutional stability have supported decades-long careers for attorneys and professional staff.
The Opportunity
CMDA Law is seeking an Associate Attorney with three to five years of general litigation experience to join its Traverse City office. The attorney will manage a varied litigation caseload while working closely with clients, partners, and colleagues throughout the firm.
This position offers meaningful case responsibility, direct client interaction, courtroom experience, and the opportunity to build a long-term practice in Northern Michigan with the resources and support of an established multi-state firm. Experience representing municipalities or other public entities is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Manage litigation matters from initial investigation and case evaluation through settlement or trial.
- Develop case strategies by analyzing the facts, applicable law, potential exposure, and opportunities for resolution.
- Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
- Manage written discovery, document production, expert discovery, and related motion practice.
- Conduct and defend depositions and assist with preparing clients and witnesses for testimony.
- Represent clients at hearings, conferences, mediations, settlement proceedings, and trials in state and federal courts.
- Conduct legal research and prepare clear, persuasive written analyses.
- Maintain regular client communication, including case evaluations, risk assessments, status reports, and strategic recommendations.
- Negotiate settlements while protecting client interests and maintaining professional relationships with opposing counsel.
- Collaborate with attorneys and professional staff to provide efficient, cost-effective representation consistent with firm and client standards.
- Assist with municipal and public-sector matters as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school.
- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
- Three to five years of general litigation experience.
- Experience managing cases through multiple stages of litigation.
- Experience handling discovery, drafting motions, conducting depositions, and appearing in court.
- Excellent legal research, analytical, persuasive writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Strong judgment, organizational ability, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines professionally and efficiently.
- Commitment to providing responsive, high-quality client service.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, legal research tools, case-management technology, and electronic discovery platforms.
- Municipal or public-entity experience is preferred but not required.
- Trial experience is valued.
Why Join CMDA Law?
- Join a stable, respected firm with more than 60 years of legal experience.
- Assume meaningful responsibility for a varied litigation caseload.
- Work directly with clients and experienced attorneys across a multi-state platform.
- Develop a long-term practice in Northern Michigan.
- Maintain professional autonomy while benefiting from collaborative legal and administrative support.
- Receive firm-supported marketing and business-development assistance to strengthen professional visibility, cultivate client relationships, and pursue practice-growth opportunities.
- Benefit from opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Compensation and Benefits
CMDA Law offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:
- Salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills
- Formula-based bonus program with the potential for additional discretionary bonuses
- Generous paid time off
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Firm-paid bar dues and continuing legal education
- Firm-paid membership in select professional organizations
- Marketing and business-development support
- Opportunities for professional development, advancement, and cross-office collaboration
CMDA Law is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and respectful workplace.