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Associate Defense Attorney Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are ... The preferred candidate will have Insurance defense experience. Areas of focus include Subrogation ...

... defense practice in Seattle. This practice covers a wide range of liability and insurance ... Flexible Paid Time Off - Attorneys are trusted to use their professional judgment to take paid time ...

Litigation Associate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$2K/mo

... defense practice in Seattle. This practice covers a wide range of liability and insurance ... Flexible Paid Time Off - Attorneys are trusted to use their professional judgment to take paid time ...

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Associate Defense Attorney information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$51.4K

$120.9K

$192.8K

How much do associate defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate defense attorney in Bothell, WA is $120,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,400.00 and $145,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an Associate Defense Attorney during their initial years, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Defense Attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing a high caseload, learning to navigate court procedures, and balancing client expectations with legal realities. In the early years, it can be difficult to build confidence in the courtroom and develop effective negotiation skills. These challenges are best addressed by seeking mentorship from senior attorneys, actively participating in case strategy discussions, and dedicating time to stay updated on legal precedents and local court rules. Strong organizational skills and open communication with team members also help in managing workload and client relationships effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Defense Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, and case analysis skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as courtroom and case management software, is typically required. Outstanding written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help you build strong client relationships and advocate effectively. These skills ensure accurate representation, effective case strategy, and successful outcomes for clients in complex legal environments.

What are Associate Defense Attorneys?

Associate Defense Attorneys are licensed lawyers who work under the supervision of more senior attorneys within a law firm or public defender's office. They focus on defending clients accused of crimes by conducting legal research, drafting motions, attending court hearings, and assisting in trial preparation. Associates are typically early in their legal careers and gain practical experience by working closely with experienced defense attorneys on a variety of criminal cases.

What is the difference between Associate Defense Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectAssociate Defense AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), license to practice lawJuris Doctor (JD), license to practice law
Work EnvironmentPrivate law firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesPublic defender offices, government-funded legal services
Employer & IndustryLaw firms, government agencies, corporationsGovernment-funded public defense offices
Common Search/ComparisonAssociate Defense Attorney vs Public Defender

Both Associate Defense Attorneys and Public Defenders hold a Juris Doctor degree and are licensed to practice law. While Associate Defense Attorneys often work in private firms or corporate settings, Public Defenders are employed by government agencies to provide legal defense for indigent clients. The primary difference lies in their employment environment and client base, with Public Defenders focusing on public service and indigent defense, whereas Associate Defense Attorneys may handle a broader range of clients in various legal settings.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Bothell, WA? For Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Bothell, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Bothell, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Defense Attorney jobs in Bothell, WA are:
What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Associate Defense Attorney jobs? Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Associate Defense Attorney job openings:
Sr. Trial Attorney - Seattle

Sr. Trial Attorney - Seattle

Nationwide

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

The preferred candidate will have Insurance defense experience.

Areas of focus include Subrogation, Appellate practice, commercial auto, commercial premises, commercial material damage, commercial properly, complex commercial, complex personal lines liability, homeowners liability, dog bite, slip and fall/trip and fall, trucking, liquor liability, wrongful death, federal practice, liquor liability, material damage, personal lines auto, personal lines property damage, premises liability, products liability, trucking defense, and uninsured/underinsured motorist.

No Billable Hours!

1:1 Paralegal/Attorney Ratio

#LI-CP1

Job Description Summary

Would you thrive in an environment where you can deliver top-quality legal services to support the mission of a Fortune 100 insurance company' to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care? If you possess the academic credentials, strong analytical skills and legal acumen needed for successful litigation work, our team may be the place for you!
Nationwide Trial Division is a national team with approximately 40 offices through six regions across the United States. Our Senior Trial Attorneys are seasoned litigation attorneys with significant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation. As a Senior Trial Attorney, you'll represent clients under both commercial and personal lines insurance policies independently as lead counsel, as well as be part of a larger team as needed. Caseloads are typically including a mix of cases varying in complexity, severity, product lines, and specialized concentrations, throughout all courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction(s). You'll be expected to maintain a highly productive case volume that reflects our collective commitment to innovative thinking, effective collaboration, embracing technology and a highly organized and proactive approach to case management.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrates the requisite trial advocacy skills independently as lead counsel, or as part of a team, demonstrates efficiency, proactive case management, work ethic, and work product quality to accurately and effectively handle all matters in accordance with Nationwide Trial Division (NTD) standard methodology guidelines, as well as claims and client expectations.

  • Requires minimal managerial oversight and guidance from the Managing Trial Attorney and NTD Leadership in all aspects of core duties and job responsibilities.

  • Adept at effectively utilizing technology and collaboratively working with support staff to ensure efficient case management and efficiency.

  • Demonstrates consistent awareness of changes to the law, technology, local rules and other procedural requirements, or other aspects of the legal and insurance industries likely to impact liability and recovery litigation strategies in the jurisdictions in which he/she practices.

  • Possesses and consistently performs with the subject matter expertise and trial advocacy skills required and specified for all NTD concentrations held. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to develop and learn additional or new NTD concentrations as may be required based on NTD business needs and as specified by NTD Leadership.

  • Provides factually, legally and analytically sound opinions consistently on case valuations that are promptly updated and timely communicated to the client and claims.

  • Independently establishes and maintains strong professional relationships with key associates within Office of the Chief Legal Officer and claims partners at the senior director level and below, as well as with colleagues within the legal and insurance industries within those jurisdictions and communities in which he/she practices.

  • Utilizes relationships to build and improve NTD's reputation and expand case referral opportunities within the enterprise.

  • Communicates in a highly effective manner, consistently and proactively identifying, understanding and meeting client, claims and internal NTD communication expectations (both written and verbal), as well as those commonly expected within the jurisdictions and communities in which he/she practices.

  • Serves as a mentor for junior attorneys and NTD staff providing guidance and training, as well as serving as role model in terms of engagement, coaching and feedback, efficiency, attitude and collaboration.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Managing Trial Attorney

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

License/Certification/Designation: Maintains an active license in the state in which the position is located.

Experience: Typically, more than eight years of relevant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Has significant litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation. Engages in complex legal practices and procedures throughout all court and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction. Highly effective and professional written and verbal communication skills. Highly collaborative, capable to work with staff and other attorneys on-site and remotely, as well as serving as a role model and mentor to other associates within the office. Significant negotiation skills. Ability to process information efficiently and effectively. Excellent analytical and legal skills. Resourceful, creative problem solver. Computer savvy with a solid understanding of basic software and use of same. Capable of adapting to changes in the law and changes to technology in the law and court systems (e.g. electronic filings, etc.) Strong time management and organization skills. Decision making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations. Ability to initiate, prioritize and coordinate complex projects and cases. Leadership skills used in direct and/or indirect influencing such as motivating, problem solving, business strengthening and development with colleagues, clients and claims partners. Stays in sync with the private practice of law policy and the ethical rules of the state where the position is located. Must also acknowledge and follow all corporate and NTD policies and procedures.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager's leader and Human Resources Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Generally, a normal office environment, but depending on the needs of the office the position may be staffed working from home. Frequent travel. Occasional overnight travel. Extended hours are often necessary to meet the demands of the profession. Must have a valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities of this job, a valid credit check and/or background which will be required as part of the selection process.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage,paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

#legal

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:

We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.The national salary range for Sr Trial Attorney : $138,000.00-$243,000.00The expected starting salary range for Sr Trial Attorney : $138,000.00 - $206,000.00