Litigation Associate Attorney

Job Description

Wilhite and Associates Law Firm, P.C. is a targeted, niche law firm representing the professionally managed or owned multi‑family housing industry. We are seeking a Associate Litigation Attorney.

The firm is collaborative, encouraging routine communication, brainstorming, and seeking guidance from others. In the long tradition of a successful law firm, you’ll be on the front line. You’ll feel the self‑satisfaction of clients appreciating what you’ve done for them, your hard work, and commitment to their matter, and of course, your results. After a period of teaching and development the Associate Litigation Attorney will be responsible for their own matters.

The firm is litigation‑centered, plaintiff and defendant, in both courts and administrative forums. Fair Housing is the firm’s niche within its niche, both educating and best practices limiting risks pre‑litigation and substantial Fair Housing discrimination defense litigation.

The firm’s motto is that we “Play To Win.” The firm’s “Play To Win” brand is not just some marketing idea. It is in fact the instinctive culture of the firm. We represent demanding sophisticated clients who expect us to litigate aggressively, often in complex challenging matters. We take the cards dealt and find a way to win with them. We don’t give up.

We don’t accept “No,” “It can’t be done,” or “That’s never happened before” as answers. We are creative. Everything we do has a purpose as part of a conscious strategic plan. We have the will not only to win, but also the will to prepare to win. Yes, just like the famous Apollo 13 line, our attitude is failure is simply not an option.

We Play To Win !

• Support all phases of litigation and pre‑litigation, from initial investigation through representation at trial.
• Conduct factual investigations, including document review, evidence development, and witness interviews.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests/responses, and other legal documents.
• Perform legal research on statutes, regulations, case law, and procedural rules to support case strategy.
• Communicate with clients, witnesses, courts, and opposing counsel on case developments and strategic issues.
• Guide clients on practices that help avoid litigation and minimize liability risks.
• Prepare for trials, including organizing exhibits, preparing witnesses, and coordinating subpoenas and evidence.

The firm provides significant litigation training and development. The firm’s owner and founder, Jeff Wilhite, has always been a civil litigator (for four decades), including three decades in the multi‑family housing industry niche. Jeff has substantial bench and jury trial experience. Jeff is by background (and nature) a trial attorney. The initial training process includes a thorough collection of materials to organize teaching and exposure to systems and firm concepts.

The structured onboarding and training process covers everything from the “big pictures,” to policies, and even goes as far as how to make photocopies. Professional training of course includes written materials such as outlines and resources. But more importantly, development includes one‑on‑one training with Jeff (often at a dry erase board) on concepts, strategies, and techniques. CLE can be in whatever areas the attorney wants but often geared towards litigation and Fair Housing.

Depending on the previous experience of the incoming associate, the firm will early on give the attorney exposure to hearings (and mediations, depositions, settlement conferences), first observing, but as early as possible, sharing the representation. Again, as early as possible (and comfortable) taking the lead with Jeff, the owner attorney present, then appearing without Jeff. Though the firm’s goal is to cause the attorney to appear alone as early as possible, that is not to be done with fear that the associate attorney is not fully prepared and supported.

• Minimum 3 years of experience.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active license in Indiana, required. Active license in Kentucky / Illinois is preferred.
• Strong litigation and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal…