Civil Litigation Associate Attorney – Government Defense at Orion Placement in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

Job description

• About the job Civil Litigation Associate Attorney – Government Defense
• Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
• Join a respected litigation practice focused on defending law enforcement officers, government entities, and public officials in meaningful state and federal court matters.
• Take on substantive responsibility early, with opportunities to draft dispositive motions, handle discovery, take depositions, and contribute to trial strategy.
• Build valuable expertise in civil rights, governmental liability, police defense, and complex litigation.
• Work alongside experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment where strong legal analysis and writing are genuinely valued.
• Enjoy a strong benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), CLE support, marketing resources, and bar-related expenses.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities are available on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

Responsibilities

• Represent law enforcement officers, government entities, and public officials in civil litigation matters.
• Draft and argue dispositive and other substantive motions.
• Conduct legal research and prepare persuasive briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda.
• Manage written discovery and develop effective discovery strategies.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Assist with trial preparation, hearings, case strategy, and courtroom matters.
• Analyze complex legal issues involving civil rights, governmental liability, and defense litigation.
• Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and other stakeholders.
• Manage assigned matters independently while collaborating closely with other attorneys.
• Develop strong case strategies from initial evaluation through resolution.

Requirements

• Candidates must have a J.D., active admission to the applicable state bar, and 3+ years of civil litigation experience. Federal court litigation experience is strongly preferred, although relevant federal clerkship experience may be considered in lieu of some litigation experience. Civil rights, governmental liability, government defense, police defense, or law enforcement experience is preferred but not required.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active Kentucky Bar admission for the Lexington position or Tennessee Bar admission for the Knoxville position.
• 3+ years of civil litigation experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Federal court litigation experience preferred.
• Civil rights, governmental defense, police defense, or government liability experience preferred.
• Law enforcement or related professional background preferred.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.

Skills

Preferred

• Federal court litigation experience

Benefits

• You will have the opportunity to do substantive litigation work that matters while developing a valuable specialty in government defense and civil rights litigation. We support professional development through CLE funding and bar-related expenses, provide a strong benefits package, and offer bonus opportunities tied to performance. Most importantly, you will join a team that values good judgment, strong advocacy, collaboration, and continued professional growth.
• JPC-1913
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance