What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney position at HNE?
Associate Attorney
Location: Remote (OR)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Associate Attorney to handle contested matters with a focus on defensive litigation related to residential real estate, title to real property, mortgages, and foreclosure. This role is best suited for a proactive litigator who thrives in a high‑volume, fast‑moving practice, exercises sound judgment, and takes initiative without waiting for direction.
What You’ll Do
Litigation & Pre‑Litigation
- Manage a robust, organized caseload
- Lead all phases of contested litigation arising out of mortgage servicing/foreclosure matters.
- Handle pre‑litigation tasks and title clearance issues impacting residential real estate.
- Draft and argue court pleadings and motions; prepare case analyses and advise clients on strategies tailored to risk, cost, and outcome.
Discovery & Case Development
- Drive discovery strategy, including taking and defending depositions; manage written discovery, document review, and evidence preparation.
- Be well‑versed in rules of evidence, including foundations for introducing exhibits and testimony.
Hearings, ADR, and Court Appearances
- Appear for hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences (frequency varies by docket).
- Pursue early, cost‑effective resolutions where appropriate; escalate to trial only when strategically warranted.
Client Service & Collaboration
- Provide timely, practical client updates and recommendations.
- Collaborate fluidly across firm departments (e.g., claims & delivery, foreclosure, bankruptcy) while reporting within the Litigation team.
- Work seamlessly within our case management ecosystem (enhanced over ProLaw/Westlaw) and maintain meticulous timekeeping.
All other duties as assigned.
What You’ll Bring (Minimum Qualifications)
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
- Active Member, Oregon State Bar (in good standing). Active status required; “eligible” but inactive is not sufficient.
- 2–8 years of civil litigation experience, ideally in real estate, mortgage servicing, creditors’ rights, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to consistently meet a 1,920 billable‑hour target (with solid time‑entry discipline).
- Strong written and oral advocacy, strategic case assessment, and motion practice skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Excel); comfort with modern case management tools.
- Organizational excellence and the ability to prioritize across a high‑volume docket.
- Rules of evidence competency, including laying foundations and introducing exhibits.
- Problem‑solving orientation—you identify issues early and take action.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with foreclosure processes and related statutory/regulatory requirements.
- Familiarity with consumer protection statutes, including FDCPA (preferred).
- Backgrounds that tend to translate well: general civil litigation, business/commercial litigation, mortgage servicing/creditors’ rights, and broad generalist practices.
- (Less aligned backgrounds historically: PI, construction defect, and some family law profiles given their discovery‑heavy or practice‑specific orientation.)
Work Style & Culture
- Remote‑first within the firm’s footprint; must be able to cover Oregon matters and apply Oregon law.
- Fluid and collaborative: litigation attorneys report into the Litigation group (Texas West region) but regularly partner across departments and coordinate with attorneys licensed in multiple states.
- Ownership mindset: we value attorneys who take initiative, speak up with confidence, and drive matters forward without waiting for step‑by‑step instructions.
- Strong work ethic: during busy periods, you can lean in and manage sustained effort to meet client and court deadlines.
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