What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney position at Secrest Wardle?
Early-Career Litigation Associate
Get Into the Courtroom—Fast
Are you an early-career attorney looking to gain meaningful courtroom experience—not just manage files from the sidelines?
At Secrest Wardle, you’ll step into active litigation work immediately. Our associates work side-by-side with experienced litigators to do more than push paper. You'll begin to build your skills as a litigator through hands-on experience from the beginning. If you’re eager to develop as a litigator through actual practice, this role is designed for you.
Why Secrest Wardle
Secrest Wardle is an established and rapidly growing insurance defense firm with more than 100 years of litigation excellence. We’ve built our reputation by developing strong litigators—giving attorneys meaningful responsibility early, paired with mentorship, support, and guidance from experienced trial lawyers.
Why This Role Is Different
- Immediate, consistent courtroom exposure
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced trial attorneys
- Work on 15-20 files at a time with direct supervision from more seasoned attorneys
- Strong administrative and paralegal support so you can focus on practicing law
- A true opportunity to practice your litigation and courtroom skills—not copy and paste work that others have already done
What You’ll Do
- Take and defend depositions
- Draft motions, pleadings, and discovery
- Appear regularly in court for hearings, conferences, and proceedings
- Work collaboratively with partners on case strategy and trial preparation
- Manage your own caseload of insurance defense and civil litigation matters
What to Expect
- Caseload: Typically 15–20 active files, depending on complexity, with partner oversight
- Hybrid Schedule: Available after approximately 60–90 days, based on onboarding progress
- Mentorship: Direct access to partners with ongoing, practical feedback on writing, strategy, and courtroom performance
What We’re Looking For
- A genuine interest in litigation and trial work
- Superior legal writing and communication skills
- Experience or coursework in Michigan no-fault law is a plus
- Organized, proactive, and able to manage deadlines in a fast-moving practice
- Licensed in Michigan, recent bar passer, or eligible for Michigan licensure, including attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions who plan to relocate and seek admission to the Michigan Bar (relocation assistance not available).
Work Environment
- Our practice is committed to the highest ethical standards
- Collaboration across teams, experience levels, and practice areas
- Weekly mentoring meetings designed to get into the nitty-gritty of all phases of litigation
- Office located in bustling Troy, Michigan (hybrid schedule possible as familiarity with procedures and workflows is achieved), close to all major freeways and with a host of entertainment and dining options within walkable distance.
Apply
We move quickly with qualified candidates. If you want meaningful courtroom experience, real responsibility, and the chance to grow as a litigator early in your career, we want to hear from you.
After submitting your application—or shortly thereafter—please email a legal writing sample to ccarr@secrestwardle.com.