Associate Attorney; Indianapolis

Summary

The Associate serves to support Kightlinger & Gray LLP in the administrative functions assigned to the role. Following established protocols and procedures, this position brings high value to the firm by performing a variety of duties under supervision. Associates are required to bill their time for work performed and meet firm-appointed annual billable goal. This role requires the versatility to handle a broad mix of general litigation matters—including civil litigation, commercial transportation, hospitality/premises liability, real estate, and product/medical device cases.

Ideal candidates have experience billing their time and are motivated to independently run files and engage with clients.

• Reviews and analyzes newly assigned and existing matters in order to provide competent legal representation.
• Drafts all necessary documents to provide legal representation to clients and routes them through the appropriate office procedures to produce final documents.
• Follows the ethical requirements as set forth by the Rules of Professional Conduct and comply with all requirements of the firm’s professional liability insurer.
• Performs necessary legal research using approved resources, including libraries and computer data systems.
• Demonstrates interest, ability, and aptitude toward possible partnership through work product, firm activities, professional development, and community engagement.
• Proactively advises and communicates regularly with department head, partner(s), other attorneys and/or clients regarding the status of matters.
• Organizes and arranges numerous tasks, often with competing priorities, and completes them under time constraints.
• Supervises work of legal assistant and/or paralegal.
• Records, monitors and meets all deadlines associated with client matters, court dockets, and assignments.
• Diligently records time to meet established billing requirements.
• Formulates and communicates well-founded legal analysis and/or opinions.
• Able to conduct negotiations, depositions, mediations, and other client meetings.
• Able to successfully litigate cases in court, before a judge or jury, either in-person or via electronic participation.
• Astute ability to effectively communicate needs and expectations to courts, opposing counsel, clients, and members of the firm, primarily in writing.
• Join and be actively involved in professional and/or trade organizations approved by supervising partner; serves to represent well the firm within legal community.
• Keep necessary stakeholders informed of your schedule, availability, and deadlines.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on an illuminated screen.
• Operation of customary office equipment to include a computer, phone, messaging systems, copier, document management software, etc.
• Available during core business hours of Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Work in excess of 40 hours/week can sometimes be required to meet the business needs of the firm.
• Lift and handle physical files, boxes, and case evidence or exhibits (up‑to 25 lbs).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to exercise independent judgement and discretion to perform substantive legal functions in client matters.
• A curious appetite for new areas of law as practiced within our firm.
• Previous experience in a similar role, sufficient to gain usable working knowledge of the position, with preference given to those from a private practice background.
• This position requires a Juris Doctorate degree and a valid/active license to practice in the State of Indiana.
• Stays current on annual continuing legal education requirements; remains an attorney in good standing.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to successfully interact with all levels of the organization, clients, prospective clients, and vendors.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong sense of customer service to internal and external needs.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Kightlinger & Gray, LLP does not discriminate…