Associate

Description:

Ritsema Law actively represents employers and insurance carriers in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, and Florida in workers' compensation, general liability, and Medicare set-aside matters. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals who value collaboration, integrity, and excellence.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Attorney to join our growing team in our Fort Collins, Colorado, office. Attorneys must be licensed to practice law in Colorado, Arizona, or Utah and live in either Colorado, Arizona, Montana, or Wyoming. Workplace is flexible between hybrid or fully remote depending on candidate and proximity to a physical office.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

· Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and briefs related to workers' compensation cases.

· Represent clients in workers' compensation hearings, mediations, and trials.

· Manage client communications and provide legal advice regarding workers' compensation claims.

· Develop case strategies and legal arguments to effectively advocate for clients.

· Participate in client meetings, settlement negotiations, and administrative proceedings.

· Ensure compliance with all legal standards and regulations related to workers' compensation law.

Qualifications:

· Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

· Admission to the Colorado, Arizona, and/or Utah State Bar(s).

· Experience with general liability defense, workers' compensation subrogation, or related fields is preferred but not required.

· Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

· Experience with drafting and reviewing legal documents.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· High level of professionalism and ethical standards.

Benefits:

· Competitive salary.

· Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (2 out of 3 health plans fully paid for employees).

· Retirement savings plan with employer match.

· Continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities.

· Professional development opportunities.

· Collaborative and supportive work environment.

· Mentorship opportunities for newer associates.

· Paid time off, paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements.

· Paid garage parking with 3 days in-office

· Casual but professional work environment

Salary range for this position is $80,000 - $125,000/year, depending on experience

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ritsema Law is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Requirements:

The appropriate candidate must be able to handle a large volume of files successfully and meet deadlines in a fast-paced professional environment. We are seeking an individual with a foundation in legal research, writing, and analysis who desires an opportunity to learn, litigate, and grow with one of Colorado’s top insurance defense firms.

• Professional and effective communication with various clients, insurance adjusters, judges, physicians, and other various professionals as well as team members, inclusive of senior attorneys, paralegals, and staff.
• Independently conduct research and analyze various case laws, rules, and statutes, including but not limited to the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act and Rules of Procedure for application and clear communication of same.
• The ideal candidate will have experience with civil litigation, including preparing motions or defending depositions.
• Understand and apply legal analysis to provide effective counsel to clients.
• Review and analyze voluminous medical records and discovery and combine them with legal analysis, resulting in client summaries and status updates.
• Assist the supervising attorney with litigation preparation and strategy by drafting written discovery requests and responses, completing document redaction, conducting potential witness interviews, and addressing other assigned tasks relevant to litigation and discovery on a case-by-case basis.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills
• Experience with medical terminology and language is preferred but not required.

Must have Juris Doctor degree. Admitted to one or more of the following: Colorado, Arizona, and/or Utah Bar(s).

• Experience in Workers' Compensation: While not required, experience in workers' compensation law is highly beneficial.
• Legal Research Skills: Strong legal research skills are essential for navigating complex legal issues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary for interacting with clients, insurance companies, and the court.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills are crucial for settling cases and reaching favorable outcomes for clients.
• Analytical Skills: You need strong analytical skills to assess cases, gather evidence, and develop legal strategies.
• Knowledge of the Insurance Industry: Familiarity with the insurance industry and claims processes is valuable.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using computer software and legal research databases (like Lexis or Westlaw) is expected.