Associate Attorney

About the company Our client is a law firm. The role Raydar is recruiting for this role on behalf of our client. Carry a varied docket of defense-side lawsuits from the opening pleadings through trial, collaborating closely with senior lawyers. The position blends frequent court appearances and witness examinations with written advocacy, strategy work and time-recorded client service. What you'll do - Own a full docket of defense cases spanning several areas of law, such as construction, property-related injury, professional negligence, civil rights and insurance disputes. - Partner with senior lawyers on planning case approach, preparing witnesses, motion work and readying matters for trial. - Prepare written discovery, motions seeking early resolution and early-stage court filings while balancing overlapping deadlines. - Conduct and defend witness examinations and appear for clients at hearings in both state and federal courts. - Meet the firm's monthly time-recording targets while keeping the quality of written and oral work high. - Attend continuing education offerings, including internal training and external trial skills programs. Requirements What we're looking for - A J.D. degree and a current license to practice law in Missouri. - Roughly 2 to 7 years practicing defense-side civil litigation within a law firm. - Background in construction or insurance-related disputes. - Experience guiding complex lawsuits through every stage, from initial filings to a courtroom verdict. - Comfort recording time accurately and consistently hitting billing targets. - Strong research and writing ability, supported by a writing sample. - Skill drafting written discovery, including questions to parties, document demands and requests to admit facts. - Either an Illinois license or readiness to obtain one. - Readiness to put in hours beyond a typical full-time week. - A team-oriented style and ease supporting the matters of multiple senior lawyers. - A lasting commitment to the local area and to a path toward partnership. - Local residency or willingness to relocate at your own expense. Bonus points - Experience taking or defending witness examinations. - Hands-on trial preparation and courtroom exposure. - Background in construction law. - Licensure in Illinois. Benefits Compensation and benefits - Base salary: USD 100,000 to 120,000 per year - Health, dental and vision coverage - Retirement plan with employer match - Profit sharing - Performance bonus Location and work model - St. Louis, Missouri, United States - On-site, five days per week in the office to start - Full-time