Description

Firm overview

Dawson & Rosenthal is a boutique trial firm focused on complex insurance bad faith and coverage litigation. We try cases. We value crisp writing, strategic thinking, and relentless client advocacy.

Role summary

We’re seeking an Associate Attorney with 3–5 years of civil litigation experience and exceptional writing skills to work alongside our trial lawyers on high-stakes insurance bad faith matters from pre-suit investigation through verdict. The ideal candidate is Arizona-barred, thrives on crafting winning briefs, and is eager to take increasing ownership of discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial preparation. California bar admission is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own drafting of motions, dispositive briefs, and appellate-quality research (Rule 12/56, Daubert/Rule 702, motions in limine).
• Manage written discovery (draft/respond to RFPs, ROGs, RFAs; subpoena practice) and discovery disputes.
• Take and defend depositions of fact witnesses, adjusters, and corporate reps; assist with expert discovery.
• Prepare case strategy memos, damages analyses, and outlines for depositions, hearings, and trial.
• Collaborate with paralegals on record review (claims files, medicals) and exhibit management.
• Draft mediation briefs; participate in settlement conferences and negotiations.
• Support (and increasingly handle) pretrial and trial tasks: witness prep, exhibit lists, jury instructions, trial briefs, and in-court assistance.
• Maintain case calendars and deadlines; ensure meticulous compliance with Arizona and federal rules.
• Communicate professionally with clients, experts, and opposing counsel.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of civil litigation experience (insurance bad faith/coverage or complex tort/commercial litigation strongly preferred).
• Bar admission in Arizona (required). California admission (plus).
• Outstanding legal writing and research skills with a persuasive, plain-English style; writing sample required.
• Demonstrated experience with discovery, depositions, motion practice, and pretrial preparation.
• Working knowledge of Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules.
• High proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office; experience with Clio or similar case management tools a plus.
• Strong organization, judgment, and ownership over deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Trial experience or second-chair exposure is a plus; genuine interest in trying cases is essential.

Requirements

Job Requirements

• Active license to practice law in Arizona (required); California license is a plus.
• 3–5 years of civil litigation experience, ideally in insurance bad faith, coverage, or complex tort/commercial matters.
• Proven ability to handle written discovery, depositions, and motion practice independently.
• Exceptional legal writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present arguments clearly and persuasively.
• Strong working knowledge of the Arizona and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Excellent organization, judgment, and attention to deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Clio or similar case management tools preferred.
• Demonstrated professionalism and effective communication with clients, experts, and opposing counsel.
• Interest in developing trial experience and contributing to a litigation team that actively tries cases.