Associate Disability Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney – ERISA / Long-Term Disability

A well-established disability law firm in downtown Pensacola seeks an experienced Associate Attorney to join our practice representing individuals in ERISA and long-term disability insurance claims.

Our firm focuses on helping individuals who are unable to work because of serious medical conditions obtain the disability benefits they are entitled to receive. We represent clients in long-term disability claims, administrative appeals, and federal litigation, with a substantial portion of our practice devoted to claims governed by ERISA.

We are looking for an attorney who can take meaningful responsibility for cases rather than simply perform discrete research assignments. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer and analytical thinker who is comfortable reviewing complex medical, vocational, insurance, and legal issues and communicating effectively with clients.

This position offers the opportunity to develop significant experience in a specialized area of federal law while working closely with an experienced ERISA disability attorney and an established support team.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Medical insurance, with option for dental insurance
• 11 paid holidays plus PTO in your first year
• Retirement plan with employer match
• A professional, team-oriented work environment
• Substantial responsibility and direct involvement in cases
• Opportunity to develop expertise in ERISA and disability insurance law

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Managing and assisting with ERISA and long-term disability claims at various stages of representation
• Reviewing disability insurance policies, claim files, medical records, vocational evidence, and other administrative record materials
• Identifying legal, medical, vocational, and evidentiary issues affecting disability claims
• Developing case strategy in consultation with the firm's managing attorney
• Drafting comprehensive administrative appeals of denied or terminated long-term disability claims
• Researching ERISA, insurance, disability, and related federal law issues
• Communicating with clients regarding case development, strategy, evidence, and claim status
• Working with treating physicians, vocational experts, medical experts, and other professionals to develop supporting evidence
• Drafting correspondence to insurance carriers, physicians, clients, opposing counsel, and other parties
• Evaluating claim decisions and identifying deficiencies in insurers' medical, vocational, and legal analyses
• Assisting with or handling ERISA litigation in federal court, including complaints, discovery issues where applicable, administrative record disputes, motions, briefs, mediation submissions, and dispositive briefing
• Evaluating cases for settlement and participating in settlement negotiations and mediations
• Maintaining accurate case information, deadlines, tasks, and documentation within the firm's case management system
• Working collaboratively with paralegals and other staff to ensure cases are developed thoroughly and efficiently

The position requires:

• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligibility to practice in Florida or obtain appropriate admission
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to independently analyze large and sometimes complex medical and administrative records
• Strong organizational and case-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneously
• Professional and compassionate communication with clients who are often dealing with significant medical, financial, and personal challenges
• Sound judgment and the ability to identify issues requiring additional investigation or attorney attention
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff

Preferred experience:

We are particularly interested in candidates with prior experience involving ERISA, long-term disability insurance, insurance coverage, employee benefits, or federal civil litigation.

Prior ERISA or long-term disability experience is strongly preferred, but we will consider an experienced attorney from another litigation or benefits-related practice area who has exceptional research and writing skills and an interest in developing expertise in ERISA disability law.

Federal court litigation experience is a significant plus.

What we are looking for

The right attorney will be intellectually curious, dependable, organized, and comfortable taking ownership of matters. This is a position for someone who enjoys digging into the details of a case—understanding the medical evidence, the insurance policy, the administrative record, and the applicable law—and then developing a persuasive strategy for obtaining benefits for the client.

Because we are a relatively small firm, every attorney plays an important role. We value good judgment, accountability, efficiency, strong writing, and respectful communication with both clients and coworkers.

This position provides an opportunity to do meaningful work for individuals facing difficult circumstances while developing substantial expertise in a specialized and sophisticated area of federal law.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, salary requirements, and a brief cover letter describing their relevant experience and interest in the position. A legal writing sample and references may be requested during the interview process.

A small but exceptional law firm in Pensacola, Florida. A tight knit group with compassion for our clients.