Associate Attorney - Defense Base Act (DBA)

Location: Houston, TX or Chicago, IL

About the Opportunity

An established defense firm is expanding its Houston and Chicago practices and seeking attorneys to join its Defense Base Act team. This opportunity offers substantive litigation work, collaboration with experienced attorneys, and the chance to develop a specialty while helping grow a local office.

Direct DBA experience is preferred but not required. The firm is open to training attorneys with relevant experience in workers’ compensation, insurance defense, maritime law, or related civil litigation.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers and insurance carriers in Defense Base Act and related Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act matters.
• Manage cases from initial evaluation and discovery through settlement or formal hearing, with guidance appropriate to experience.
• Analyze medical records, employment information, and other evidence to assess claims and develop defense strategies.
• Draft pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, briefs, and case evaluations.
• Prepare for and conduct depositions of claimants, medical professionals, and other witnesses.
• Participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, and proceedings before the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Communicate with clients, carriers, opposing counsel, and experts regarding case developments and strategy.
• Maintain timely reporting, accurate billing records, and compliance with deadlines and client guidelines.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
• Relevant litigation experience, preferably in DBA, Longshore, workers’ compensation, insurance defense, or maritime matters.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain careful attention to detail.
• Sound judgment, responsiveness, and a collaborative approach to client service.
• Interest in building a long-term practice in federal workers’ compensation defense.

Why Consider This Role?

• Develop a valuable specialty: Build on existing litigation skills in a focused federal practice.
• Learn from experienced practitioners: Receive training and guidance as you expand your DBA knowledge.
• Contribute to a growing office: Join the firm’s expansion in Houston or Chicago.
• Take on substantive work: Build experience in case strategy, depositions, negotiations, and hearing preparation.