Description:
Position Summary:The Junior Pre-Litigation Attorney is responsible for managing a caseload of personal injury matters from the initial attorney consultation through settlement or referral to litigation. This role combines legal analysis, client advocacy, strategic case management, negotiation, and collaboration with a high-performing pre-litigation team.
One of the most important responsibilities of this position is participating in the firm's intake process. After our Intake Department completes the initial screening, the Junior Pre-Litigation Attorney conducts the final attorney consultation with prospective clients. During this consultation, the attorney evaluates liability, damages, insurance coverage, legal issues, and case viability while answering the client's legal questions. Based on this evaluation, the attorney makes the recommendation regarding whether the firm should move forward with representation.
Once retained, the attorney continues to oversee the legal strategy of assigned matters, working closely with Case Managers, Records Clerks, Demand Writers, and department leadership to ensure every case progresses efficiently toward the best possible outcome.
Key Responsibilities:
Attorney Intake & Case Acceptance
- Conduct the final attorney consultation with prospective clients after the Intake Team completes the initial screening.
- Evaluate liability, damages, insurance coverage, comparative negligence, statute of limitations, and overall case viability.
- Explain the legal process and answer client questions regarding representation.
- Review police reports, photographs, medical records, insurance information, and supporting documentation when available.
- Make recommendations regarding acceptance or declination of new cases in accordance with firm standards.
- Ensure accepted matters are properly transitioned into active case management.
- Manage a pre-litigation caseload from intake through settlement or litigation referral.
- Develop legal strategies designed to maximize recovery while moving files efficiently.
- Analyze liability, causation, comparative negligence, damages, and insurance coverage.
- Identify legal issues that may impact case value or litigation strategy.
- Review medical treatment progress and determine demand readiness.
- Provide legal direction to Case Managers and support staff regarding next steps on assigned files.
- Maintain regular attorney-client communication throughout the life of each case.
- Counsel clients regarding treatment, liability, insurance issues, and settlement expectations.
- Handle escalated client concerns with professionalism, empathy, and sound legal judgment.
- Build trust with clients by providing timely updates and exceptional service.
- Review settlement demands and supporting documentation.
- Negotiate bodily injury claims directly with insurance adjusters.
- Analyze settlement offers and develop negotiation strategies that maximize case value.
- Present settlement recommendations to clients and explain legal options.
- Work collaboratively with staff to resolve cases efficiently while protecting the client's interests.
- Conduct regular file reviews to ensure matters continue progressing toward resolution.
- Identify stalled files and implement corrective action plans.
- Monitor treatment progress, record collection, policy disclosures, demand preparation, and settlement readiness.
- Recognize matters that require litigation referral and prepare comprehensive litigation handoffs.
- Partner with Case Managers, Demand Writers, Records Clerks, Legal Assistants, and department leadership.
- Mentor and provide guidance to support staff regarding case strategy and legal issues.
- Participate in attorney meetings, file reviews, and strategy sessions.
- Promote accountability, urgency, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Active California Bar license in good standing.
- Strong legal writing, analytical, and communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong client service and relationship-building skills.
- Professional judgment, integrity, and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- One to three years of Plaintiff Personal Injury experience.
- Experience evaluating liability and damages.
- Experience negotiating bodily injury claims.
- Familiarity with Litify, Salesforce, Filevine, or comparable case management systems.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
What Success Looks Like:
Successful attorneys in this role consistently:
- Conduct confident and professional attorney intake consultations.
- Identify strong cases while recognizing legal issues that require additional review.
- Build trust and confidence with prospective and existing clients.
- Move cases efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality.
- Develop effective settlement strategies that maximize client recovery.
- Communicate proactively with clients, adjusters, and internal staff.
- Exercise sound legal judgment and take ownership of their caseload.
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
