What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Litigation Counsel position at Groth, Makarenko, Kaiser and Eidex?
About The Role
GMKE is rapidly growing Atlanta based civil litigation firm. We are looking for an attorney who would like to be on the ground floor of a firm expansion into Mississippi. This position is perfect for someone with a growth mentality. Licensure in Tennessee and Mississippi are a must, additional licensure in other states would be a plus.
This role will have two primary functions. 1. handle firm matters in Shelby County, Tennessee (Memphis) and 2. help launch firm operation in Mississippi. The ideal candidate will have a portable book of Mississippi business, though this is not necessary.
Initially you will work remotely and assist us in locating and establishing a physical location. This position will initially report to our firm's Tennessee managing partner Amanda Coop who is based in Nashville, TN, but this role will have full and complete oversight over any Mississippi matters. The position will begin as a Senior Counsel position with the opportunity to grow into a partner position as Mississippi operations grow.
Responsibilities
• Conduct case intake, reviewing files, speaking with insured clients, and gathering key information from claim files.
• File responsive pleadings within statutory deadlines, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedural requirements.
• Draft and serve discovery requests and responses, coordinating with clients to obtain necessary information.
• Communicate directly with insureds and claims representatives to provide case updates and manage expectations.
• Take and defend depositions, applying strategic questioning techniques to assess credibility and claim validity.
• Analyze non-party records, including prior medical histories and employment records, to identify inconsistencies in plaintiff testimony.
• Prepare detailed case evaluations, summarizing legal issues, liability assessments, and potential exposure for insurance carriers.
• Engage in motion practice, drafting and arguing motions to dismiss, summary judgment motions, and other pretrial motions.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies, working collaboratively with senior attorneys and support staff.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediations, advocating for cost-effective resolutions while protecting client interests.
• Prepare cases for trial, including jury selection strategy, witness preparation, and trial exhibit organization.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, handling motion hearings, arbitrations, and trials with confidence and professionalism.
• Meet a 1,750 annual billable hour requirement while maintaining an updated task list in the firm’s practice management system to ensure accurate time tracking, data integrity, and seamless case handoffs.
Qualifications
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active membership in the Tennessee State Bar and Mississippi State Bar. (Note if you are not currently licensed in TN, but have been practicing for at least 5 years, you would qualify for comity or reciprocity with Tennessee).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently manage a caseload effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions, depositions, and court advocacy.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and handle fast-moving litigation deadlines.
• Resourceful, proactive, and self-sufficient in problem-solving—able to anticipate needs, seek out solutions, and take initiative without waiting for direction.
• Values-driven, with a natural commitment to integrity and accountability, a strong alignment with GMKE’s core values, and a willingness to engage in and contribute to firm culture.
• Some prior experience in civil litigation or insurance defense or litigation is preferred.
• Willingness to take ownership of cases, engage in courtroom advocacy, and develop trial experience.
Diversity At GMKE
GMKE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, fully complying with state, federal, and local laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve, recognizing that varied perspectives and experiences enhance both our workplace and our approach to client needs.