Maritime Defense Attorney, Miami FL

About the Opportunity

A nationally recognized, multi-jurisdictional law firm is seeking an Associate Attorney to support Partners on complex maritime and admiralty matters. The firm is known for its strong reputation in insurance defense and litigation across a wide range of practice areas, and for delivering high-quality results in both domestic and international matters.

This role offers hands-on exposure to sophisticated litigation, including trial preparation, motion practice, and case strategy in a fast-paced environment.

️ Position Summary

The Associate Attorney will work closely with senior attorneys on matters involving:

• Maritime personal injury
• Jones Act / maintenance & cure / unseaworthiness claims
• General maritime law
• Limitation of liability actions
• Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
• Related insurance defense matters

️ Key Responsibilities

• Support the defense and prosecution of maritime and admiralty matters
• Manage cases from intake through resolution, including:
• Discovery
• Motion practice
• Mediation and settlement negotiations
• Arbitration and trial preparation
• Conduct factual case development, including:
• Witness interviews
• Medical record analysis
• Review of vessel logs, incident reports, and employment documentation
• Draft and prepare:
• Discovery requests and responses
• Dispositive motions (motions to dismiss, summary judgment, etc.)
• Motions in limine and other pre-trial materials
• Conduct and/or assist with:
• Depositions (plaintiffs, fact witnesses, experts)
• Hearings and court appearances*
• Trial and arbitration preparation
• Participate in:
• Mediations and settlement conferences
• Site inspections and vessel inspections
• Ensure compliance with:
• Federal and state court rules
• Maritime procedures and litigation deadlines
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure efficient case progression

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direct reports
• May provide guidance and coordination to legal assistants, paralegals, and support staff

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Active Florida Bar admission required
• 3–7 years of maritime/admiralty law experience required

Preferred Experience:

• Jones Act, LHWCA, or maritime personal injury cases
• Federal court litigation
• Taking depositions and courtroom appearances
• Mediation and settlement negotiations
• Strong experience drafting dispositive motions is required

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent motion practice abilities
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously
• Clear and professional communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational ability
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment

️ Travel Requirements

• Travel required for:
• Depositions
• Hearings
• Site and vessel inspections
• Typically regional travel (2–3 days at a time)

Work Environment

• Combination of office-based work and travel
• Requires extended computer use, virtual meetings, and in-person appearances
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional offerings:
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Commuter reimbursement program
• Wellness initiatives and screenings
• Collaborative and innovative work environment