Litigation Attorney

At HWLT, our Attorneys thoughtfully guide our clients through adversity with empathy and understanding to reach their best possible outcome.  As an Attorney at HWLT, you will lead your team to ensure our clients are confident in the decisions they make on their cases and happy with the exceptional experience that we provide.  You will work closely with the assigned paralegal and attorney manager to proactively ensure cases are moving forward efficiently.  In this role, you will handle tort cases (MVA, dog-bite, premises liability) from the opening of the case through resolution in either the pre-litigation process, litigation, arbitration or trial.  

Job Details: 

•    Assist our Intake Department by providing back-up coverage and on-call coverage.  On-call coverage will include weekend coverage every 6-8 weeks.  

•    Manage own caseload of 180-210 pre-litigation personal injury cases. 

•    Call all clients every 90 days to connect with clients personally, obtain case information and provide status updates.

•    Review cases and investigation materials for all potential claims, defendants and Statutes of Limitations.

•    Guide, educate and empower clients through the legal process through intentional communication and setting reasonable expectations.  

•    Work closely with your paralegal and managing attorney to move cases forward to our client’s best possible outcome.  

•    Interview clients to obtain accident details and information regarding their injuries, medical providers, prognosis, and lifestyle impact. 

•    Determine liability, causation, damages, and at fault party’s ability to pay.

•    Determine all layers of available insurance coverage to maximize our client’s recovery.

•    Assist client with resolving property damage claims including arranging reservations for rental vehicles, removal of vehicles from tow yards/storage facilities, loss of use claims, total loss payouts, out of pocket expenses for damaged personal property, and deductible reimbursement.

•    Review documents including but not limited to police reports, witness statements, medical records, medical bills, and correspondence from insurance companies, health insurers, vendors, etc.

•    Review incoming mail and determine next steps.  

•    Maintain up to date records and notes in case management software.

•    Conduct weekly check-ins with paralegals to review case status updates and strategies for moving the case forward.  

•    Review policy limit demands and add persuasive arguments. 

•    Passionately negotiate with insurance adjusters regarding client’s bodily injury claims including liability, UM and UIM claims.

•    Calendar and monitor important dates including statute of limitations and internal and external deadlines.

•    Ensure that all important evidence is obtained including but not limited to police reports, 911 calls, BWC footage, PD photos, PD estimates, Medical Records, Bills, witness statements.  

•    Determine when filing suit will achieve a client’s best possible outcome and consult with attorney manager on advising the client accordingly.  

•    Proficient knowledge of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, the Tier system, Pima County FASTAR system, and UM/UIM Arbitration.  

•    Able to draft and review initial pleadings, written discovery, disclosure statements, arbitration and mediation memorandum; pre-trial pleadings, motions in limine, motions for summary judgment, and post-trial motions.  

•    Experienced with preparing clients for their depositions, as well as taking fact witness and defendant depositions.  

•    Experienced with compulsory and binding arbitrations, including opening statements, direct examinations of client and witnesses, cross examination of witnesses and defendant, and closing statements.  

•    Able to identify when tools such as compulsory arbitration, mediation and trial are likely to result in the client’s best possible outcome.  

•    Able to communicate with staff, insurance company representatives, clients, witnesses and opposing attorneys in a manner that shows respect, integrity and makes our team proud. 

•    Willing to provide assistance with and second-chair trials.  

•    Open to collaboration and teamwork with the attorney team, including attending in-person round-table meetings at least 6 times a year.   

•    Review disbursement statements itemizing client’s settlement funds, balances owed, attorney’s fees, and client’s net recovery.

•    Other duties as assigned

Skills:

•    Passionate advocacy skills for clients and negotiation tactics. 

•    Able to communicate effectively with clients showing empathy and understanding.  

•    Able to take ownership over cases, skills and team.  

•    Capable of time management, prioritizing goals and calendar organization.

•    Able to monitor and meet deadlines and goals.

•    Able to work independently and collaborate with paralegals and other attorneys.

•    Proven ability to multi-task.

•    Strong attention to detail.

•    High levels of adaptability.

•    Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.

•    Able to handle a personal injury file from intake to settlement (without litigation). 

Experience: 

•    2-3+ years of attorney experience handling pre-litigation and litigation personal injury cases.

•    Proven ability to prioritize conflicting tasks and deadlines.

•    Familiarity with lien laws and the accounting process.

•    Good understanding of Property Damage laws, including common issues and arguments. 

•    Able to draft policy limit demands and persuasive arguments on liability, causation and damages.

•    Proficient knowledge of Insurance laws and duties owed to insureds.  

•    Prior use of case management software (Needles and/or Filevine preferred but not necessary).

Section VI. Work Environment Expectations

Expected Work Hours: 

This is a fulltime position. Maintain a work schedule of 8 hours per day Monday through Friday between 7 am and 6 pm. The position may require extended work hours at times depending on scope of work.

Expected Work Setting: 

This is a sedentary position requiring long periods of time in a seated position working in front of computer screen. This position may be conducted a remote role, however, this position does require onsite presence for company events, meetings, training and other times as noted by the leadership team.

Physical Demands:

This position requires extended periods of time working with computer equipment such as keyboard, mouse  and screens. Minimal physical demands are required but may have occasional lifting, twisting, bending, pulling. Extended periods of sitting will occur due to the sedentary nature of the role.

SECTION VII. SIGNATURES

Signature indicates that you have reviewed this job description and you understand all of your job duties and responsibilities. You are able to perform the essential functions as outlined. You understand that your job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of your department without it being specifically included in the job description. If you have any questions about assigned job duties you should discuss them with your immediate supervisor.

You further understand that future performance evaluations and merit increases to your pay are based on your ability to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description to the satisfaction of your immediate supervisor. 

You have discussed any questions you may have had about this job description prior to signing below.