Wilhite and Associates Law Firm, P.C. · 10 hours ago
Litigation Associate Attorney
Carmel, IN
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid LevelWilhite and Associates Law Firm, P.C. is a targeted niche boutique law firm representing the multi-family housing industry. The Litigation Associate Attorney will handle all phases of litigation and pre-litigation, preparing pleadings, conducting investigations, and communicating with clients and courts.
Law Practice
Hiring Manager
Jeff Wilhite
Responsibilities
After his/her period of onboarding, the Associate Attorney will be responsible for his or own matters though the firm is collaborative, including encouraging routinely communicating and brainstorming and asking for ideas and guidance from Jeff
All phases of litigation and pre-litigation
Preparing pleadings, motions, briefs
Investigation, finding and developing facts and evidence. A good litigation practice is largely an investigation practice. Conduct investigations including witness interviews and affidavits
Communications with witnesses
Communications with Courts
Communications with opposing attorneys
Direct client contact (phone, email and sometimes in person) with significant clients, both on ongoing matters and questions from clients seeking advice
While once there is litigation the firm is aggressive to win, pre-litigation there are daily opportunities and needs to teach clients best practices to avoid litigation and liability risks
Reviews and analysis of an abundance of documents including contracts and leases, simple and complex
Legal research including statutes, regulations, case law, rules of evidence, rules of civil procedure
Persuasive writing
Communicate clearly and persuasively orally and in writing to Courts and agencies
Preparation of written Discovery
Responding to written Discovery requests
Prepare for trials including witness preps and outlines, exhibits, subpoenas, evidence and motions
Depending on the previous experience of the incoming associate, the firm will early on give the attorney exposure to hearings (and mediations, depositions, settlement conferences), first observing, but as early as possible sharing the representation and as early as possible taking the lead with Jeff present, then appearing without Jeff. The timeline for that transition is unique to the associate attorney’s experience and mutually agreed progression. The firm’s goal though is to cause the associate attorney to appear alone as early as possible, but never causing any fear that the associate attorney is not fully prepared and supported
Forums that the associate attorney would early on appear in would include courts throughout the state including the Marion County Township Eviction Courts, Indiana Civil Rights Commission (Jeff is licensed in Indiana and Kentucky but has regularly been admitted Pro Hac Vice in other jurisdictions for the firm’s national clients.)
Jeff of course ultimately directs and leads the firm cultures and work, but the bulk of the 'real work' and impressing clients is executed by team members, not Jeff. Our history of winning and reputation among clients is because we are a 'firm' with depth, beyond just Jeff. The firm’s business model is to spread responsibility to case managers. Even if a client might at first want more direct Jeff access, our aspiration is to transition them to be comfortable with you. In the context of a long tradition of a successful law firm, the position is 'on the front line' with an experienced litigation mentor there
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Licensed to practice law in Indiana
Experience in litigation, preferably in Fair Housing or multi-family housing law
Strong research and writing skills
Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively orally and in writing
Experience with legal research including statutes, regulations, case law, rules of evidence, and rules of civil procedure
Ability to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and written discovery
Experience in conducting investigations, including witness interviews and affidavits
Direct client contact experience
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Willingness to learn and adapt to the firm's culture and practices
Preferred
Experience with Fair Housing law
Experience in multi-family housing industry
Trial experience or participation in moot court or trial team
Background in psychology or social sciences
Board Certified Trial Attorney or similar certification
Experience with persuasive writing techniques
Familiarity with Case Management Software Practice Panther
Company
Wilhite and Associates Law Firm, P.C.
Wilhite and Associates is a targeted, boutique law firm.
Founded in 1995
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase