Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney - Civil Defense Litigation (St. Louis, MO)

A highly respected civil defense trial and litigation firm in St. Louis is growing and looking for a motivated Associate Attorney to join its established team. With more than 35 years in business, this firm is known for long-standing client relationships, exceptional results, and impressive attorney tenure. Their group of about a dozen attorneys, supported by outstanding paralegals and staff, handles a wide range of complex civil matters across multiple industries.

This role is ideal for an attorney who wants meaningful litigation experience, hands-on trial exposure, and mentorship from seasoned litigators within a collaborative and supportive environment.

• Communicate directly with clients to keep them informed on case progress, strategy, and developments.
• Draft and prepare legal documents including discovery, motions, briefs, and pre-trial pleadings.
• Conduct research, gather evidence, interview clients and witnesses, and help develop case strategy.
• Assist principals during trial preparation and participate in hearings, depositions, and trials.
• Prepare witnesses for deposition or trial, including issue review and document preparation.
• Plan and execute trial components such as witness examinations, opening statements, motions, exhibits, and jury instructions.
• Research legal issues and prepare memorandums to support case strategy.

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active license with the Missouri Bar (required).
• Illinois Bar admission is preferred.
• Eligibility to practice in all relevant state and federal courts.
• Some experience in litigation or civil defense is helpful, but strong foundational skills and a desire to grow are equally valued.

• A firm with a strong reputation and decades of proven success.
• Direct mentorship from experienced trial attorneys.
• Real courtroom and litigation experience rather than purely behind-the-scenes work.
• A supportive culture with excellent retention and long-term career potential.

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company-paid parking in one of the most convenient downtown St. Louis garages.
• A stable and respected firm where you can build a lasting career.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer:
Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied.

Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact  .

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