What are the responsibilities and job description for the Litigation Attorney position at Kaufman, Payton & Chapa?
Company Description Kaufman, Payton & Chapa, founded in 1975, is recognized as one of Michigan’s most successful law firms, with deep experience across insurance defense, complex commercial disputes, and a broad range of civil litigation matters. The firm represents local, national, and international clients in industries such as insurance, health care, manufacturing, finance, real estate, government, retail, and recreation. Its practice spans areas including insurance law, product and premises liability, professional malpractice, and business and commercial law. With a strong appellate and trial practice in both federal and state courts, the firm offers litigators exposure to sophisticated, high-impact cases. Team members work in a collaborative environment focused on high-quality advocacy and long-term client relationships.
Role Description The Litigation Attorney will handle a diverse caseload, including insurance defense, commercial disputes, products and premises liability, and professional malpractice matters. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs, managing discovery, and taking and defending depositions. The attorney will appear in state and federal courts for hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials, and will collaborate with colleagues and clients on case strategy, risk assessment, and settlement evaluation. Additional duties include communicating regularly with clients, supervising support staff as needed, and ensuring compliance with firm and court deadlines. This is a full-time, on-site role based in Farmington Hills, MI.
Qualifications
- Strong foundation in Law, including civil litigation, insurance defense, and related practice areas.
- Demonstrated experience drafting and arguing Motions, including dispositive and procedural motions.
- Proven ability to practice effectively in various Courts, including state and federal trial and appellate courts.
- Hands-on experience with Trials, from pre-trial preparation through verdict and post-trial motions.
- Skill in conducting Depositions, including preparation of witnesses and effective examination techniques.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in Michigan.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines, work collaboratively in a team environment, and maintain professional client communication.
- Prior litigation or insurance defense experience is highly preferred; trial and appellate experience is a plus.