Litigation Associate - Insurance Defense

Work Directly with the Managing Partner on Complex Civil Litigation
Location: Portland, Oregon (In-Person / Hybrid Considered)
Practice Area: Insurance Defense • Civil Litigation

Some firms promise mentorship – We put you at counsel table
We are looking for an experienced litigation associate who wants more than another insurance defense position. This position is for the attorney ready to work side-by-side with our Managing Partner on complex, high-exposure litigation – not years from now, but immediately.

You will help develop litigation strategy, take depositions, argue motions, prepare witnesses, participate in mediations and trials, and work directly with clients on significant cases.

If you are looking for an environment where your work influences the outcomes of important litigation, and where your professional growth is limited only by your ability – you will find it here.

Your Practice
Work on complex commercial insurance defense litigation involving:

- Catastrophic injury claims

- Commercial transportation litigation

- Premises liability

- Products liability

- Dram shop liability

- Complex negligence actions

- Other high-exposure civil litigation matters
As your experience grows, so will your opportunities. We believe talented attorneys should earn opportunities based on ability – not simply years in practice.
Why This Position Is Different
Direct Access to Firm Leadership – collaborate directly with the Managing Partner on strategy, client counseling, case evaluation and resolution strategy.

Meaningful Responsibility – from the beginning, you will have opportunities to:

- Take and defend depositions

- Argue contested motions

- Develop litigation strategy

- Attend arbitrations and mediations

- Manage litigation from inception through resolution
Learn Defense Litigation at a Higher Level – beyond learning procedure, learn how experienced litigators evaluate risk, negotiate effectively, communicate with clients, and make strategic decisions that determine case outcomes.

Invest in Your Future – we believe outstanding attorneys are developed through challenging work, thoughtful mentorship, and meaningful litigation experience.

Compensation and Benefits:

- Competitive salary based on experience

- Performance bonus opportunities

- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

- 401(k) with employer contribution

- Paid bar dues, CLEs, PLF, and professional memberships

- Paid parental leave

- Student debt assistance

- Paid vacation and holidays

- Parking or mass transit reimbursement

- Voluntary short- or long-term disability, life, and pet insurance

- Attorney retreats and professional development opportunities
Requirements

- Active Oregon State Bar membership, Washington Bar membership a plus

- 3+ years of insurance defense litigation experience

- Experience managing civil litigation files

- Strong deposition, motion practice, and discovery skills

- Courtroom experience, including hearings and arbitrations

- Excellent writing and analytical abilities

- A genuine desire to become an exceptional litigator

- Trial experience is valued, but not required
Build Your Career Where It Matters
Exceptional litigators are not developed by managing the largest caseloads. They are developed by handling meaningful cases, working alongside experienced lawyers, and earning responsibility that accelerates their growth.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your litigation career, we would like to meet you!

Smith Freed Eberhard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service obligations or other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.