Litigation Associate

A national financial services law firm seeks a Senior Associate with at least 6 to 8 years of commercial or consumer litigation experience to join its consumer litigation and government investigations practice.

This practice represents businesses facing consumer litigation and government investigations arising primarily under consumer protection laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Financial Protection Act, FTC Holder Rule, and other federal and state consumer protection and privacy laws.

The ideal candidate can quickly integrate into a busy and growing practice and will be capable of managing the day to day aspects of active cases. They have solid senior associate level litigation experience in federal court, with consumer arbitration experience a plus. They will take the lead on smaller matters with minimal supervision, including cases that primarily involve negotiating a settlement and managing pro se litigants in certain cases, but might require some initial pleadings and discovery work. They will have experience independently handling Rule 26(f) conferences and initial case management conferences/scheduling conferences/arbitration preliminary hearings.

They will work with partners to set case strategy and then drive cases forward independently. They must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, attention to detail, and a desire to develop their practice.

Responsibilities generally fall into the following categories:

Research and Writing

The role involves substantive legal research and writing relating to consumer financial services, including drafting pleadings, discovery and dispositive motions, and other filings that are client and court ready.

Discovery

The position requires drafting affirmative discovery requests, reviewing documents, preparing documents for production and other discovery responses, analyzing opposing and third-party discovery, and managing all other aspects of the discovery process. A successful candidate will have some experience with depositions, ideally having taken or defended a deposition and assisted in preparing a witness for deposition.

Organization

The successful candidate will be responsible for much of the day to day management of actively litigated cases and active government investigations. This includes planning and managing deadlines and assisting with the supervision of support staff, junior associates, and paralegals. It includes management of case files and providing advice to the case team on compliance with local court and judge rules.

Associates have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in business development and marketing.

Must Haves

• At least 6 to 8 years of commercial or consumer litigation experience.
• Solid senior associate level litigation experience in federal court.
• Experience independently handling Rule 26(f) conferences and initial case management conferences/scheduling conferences/arbitration preliminary hearings.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage the day to day aspects of active cases.
• Experience drafting pleadings, discovery, dispositive motions and other court filings.
• Experience managing all aspects of the discovery process.
• Ability to work with partners to set case strategy and drive cases forward independently.
• Admitted in DC.
• Applicants who do not have at least 6 years of litigation or government enforcement experience as a licensed attorney will not be considered.

Nice to Haves

• Consumer arbitration experience.
• Experience negotiating settlements and managing pro se litigants.
• Experience taking or defending depositions and preparing witnesses for deposition.
• Admission in California, Florida, Texas, or Georgia.
• Knowledge of or experience in the consumer financial services industry.
• Interest in business development and marketing activities.

Compensation & Benefits

• $168,786 - $182,288
• Eligibility for discretionary year-end bonuses dependent upon both tangible contributions to client work and non-billable contributions, including assisting partners with client and business development activities, being a valued team member, and the performance of the Firm overall.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance.
• Firm-Paid Group Insurance (Life and AD&D; Short and Long-Term Disability).
• 401(k) with firm-paid 3% match.
• Paid Holidays.
• Vacation and Sick Leave.
• Parental Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Associates are expected to work from the office initially, but are not required to work exclusively from the office.

Why join?

• Nationally recognised boutique law firm focused exclusively on consumer and commercial financial services, banking, privacy compliance, regulation, enforcement and supervision.
• Opportunity to work alongside former officials from federal regulatory agencies, including the CFPB and FTC.
• Exposure to sophisticated consumer litigation, arbitration, government investigations and enforcement matters across the United States.
• Strong platform representing clients before federal regulators, state regulators and state Attorneys General.
• Collegial and inclusive workplace environment that values diversity, excellence in client service, work-life balance and entrepreneurship.
• Genuine partnership track with no pre-established limits or ratios on the number of equity partners versus associates.
• Strong commitment to developing talent through meaningful training, mentorship and educational programs.
• Associates are encouraged to participate in business development and marketing initiatives.
• Long track record of promoting associates to equity partner, with more than one-third of current equity partners having previously been associates at the firm.

Interested? Apply here with your resume and we will arrange a call to discuss this role with you in more detail.