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Defense Litigation Associate Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Defense Litigation Associate | 2-5 Years Are you ready to move beyond supporting the litigation ... In this role, you will work with seasoned trial attorneys on complex defense matters involving ...

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Defense Litigation Associate Attorney information

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$64.5K

$127.4K

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How much do defense litigation associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense litigation associate attorney in the United States is $127,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defense litigation associate attorney do?

A Defense Litigation Associate Attorney represents clients, usually businesses or individuals, who are being sued or face legal claims in civil court. Their responsibilities include investigating cases, drafting legal documents, conducting depositions, negotiating settlements, and appearing in court on behalf of clients. These attorneys work closely with senior partners and clients to develop effective defense strategies. They must be skilled in research, writing, and oral advocacy. The work often involves juggling multiple cases and meeting strict deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense litigation associate attorney?

To thrive as a Defense Litigation Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with litigation management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and time management skills set outstanding associates apart in complex, high-stakes cases. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively represent clients, manage caseloads, and achieve favorable outcomes in adversarial legal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by defense litigation associate attorneys in managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Defense Litigation Associate Attorneys often handle several cases at once, each with distinct timelines, clients, and legal complexities. Balancing these demands requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks such as drafting motions, conducting discovery, and attending hearings. Effective communication with supervising partners, clients, and opposing counsel is essential to ensure deadlines are met and case strategies are aligned. Time management and adaptability are crucial for thriving in this fast-paced environment, as unexpected developments can arise that require immediate attention.

What is the difference between Defense Litigation Associate Attorney vs Defense Litigation Attorney?

AspectDefense Litigation Associate AttorneyDefense Litigation Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in case preparation, research, drafting documentsManaging cases, client interactions, courtroom appearances

The main difference is that a Defense Litigation Associate Attorney is an entry- to mid-level role supporting senior attorneys, while a Defense Litigation Attorney typically has more experience and handles cases independently. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the attorney role involves more client and courtroom responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Defense Litigation Associate Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Defense Litigation Associate Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Defense Litigation Associate Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Litigation Associate Attorney jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Defense Litigation Associate Attorney jobs?

For Defense Litigation Associate Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Defense Litigation Associate Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,384 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Defense Litigation Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC • On-site, Remote

JBA International
IT Services • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Our Client's Raleigh office is currently seeking a Defense Litigation Associate Attorney.
This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with General Liability litigation experience who are interested in joining a dynamic team as part of a national law firm.
The Firm
Our Client is a full-service and leading defense litigation law firm who faithfully serves our clients with more than 900 attorneys, across 42 offices in the United States and one in London. Founded in 1978, we rank among the top 200 law firms identified by The American Lawyer and 53rd in The National Law Journal's survey of the nation's largest law firms.
The Position
Qualifications
  • JD from an accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in North Carolina
  • 2+ years of defense litigation experience
  • Experience in one or more (preferred) of the following areas: general liability, transportation, catastrophic bodily injury and insurance coverage litigation.
  • Superior communication, writing, and research skills
  • Legal project management experience is helpful
Responsibilities
  • Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from beginning to end
  • Work closely with other attorneys and Partners on legal projects
  • Regularly handle court appearances and depositions
  • Communicate with clients and provide status reports
Why Should You Apply?
  • Excellent Benefits including a 401k match
  • Professional development programs including in-house CLE and National Attorney Training
  • Generous PTO plan
  • Excellent growth and advancement opportunities
  • Corporate Discount Plans