Description

Wilhite and Associates Law Firm, P.C. is a targeted, niche law firm representing the professionally managed or owned multi-family housing industry. We are seeking a Associate Litigation Attorney. 

The firm is collaborative, including encouraging routinely communicating, brainstorming, and seeking guidance from others. In the context of a long tradition of a successful law firm, you’ll be on the front line. You’ll feel the self-satisfaction of clients appreciating what you’ve done for them, your hard work and commitment to their matter and of course, your results. After a period of teaching and development the Associate Litigation Attorney will be responsible for their own matters.

The firm is litigation-centered, plaintiff and defendant, in both Courts and administrative forums. Fair Housing is the firm’s niche within its niche, both educating and best practices limiting risks pre-litigation and substantial Fair Housing discrimination defense litigation.

The firm’s motto is that we “Play To Win.” The firm’s “Play To Win” brand is not just some marketing idea. It is in fact the instinctive culture of the firm. We represent demanding sophisticated clients who expect us to litigate aggressively, often in complex challenging matters. We take the cards dealt and find a way to win with them.  We don’t give up.  We don’t accept “No”, “It can’t be done”, or “That’s never happened before” as answers.  We are creative.  Everything we do has a purpose as part of a conscious strategic plan.  We have the will not only to win, but also the will to prepare to win.  Yes, just like the famous Apollo 13 line, our attitude is failure is simply not an option. We Play To Win !

Responsibilities:

•         Support all phases of litigation and pre-litigation, from initial investigation through representation at trial.
•         Conduct factual investigations, including evidence development, witness interviews, and document review
•         Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests/responses, and other legal documents
•         Perform legal research on statutes, regulations, case law, and procedural rules to support case strategy
•         Communicate with clients, witnesses, Courts, and opposing counsel on case developments and strategic issues
•         Guide clients on practices that help avoid litigation and minimize liability risks
•         Prepare for trials, including preparing witnesses, coordinating subpoenas and evidence including determining exhibits to use and order

The firm provides significant litigation training and development. The firm’s owner and founder, Jeff Wilhite, has always been a civil litigator (for four decades), including four decades in the multi-family housing industry niche. Jeff has substantial bench and jury trial experience. Jeff is by background (and nature) a trial attorney.  The initial training process includes a thorough collection of materials to organize teaching and exposure to systems and firm concepts. The structured on-boarding and training process covers everything from the “big pictures,” to policies, and even goes as far as how to make photocopies. Professional training of course includes written materials such as outlines and resources. But more importantly, development includes one-on-one training (often at a dry erase board) on concepts, strategies, and techniques. CLE can be in whatever areas the attorney wants but often geared towards litigation and Fair Housing.

Depending on the previous experience of the incoming associate, the firm will early on give the attorney exposure to hearings (and mediations, depositions, settlement conferences), first observing, but as early as possible, sharing the representation. Again, as early as possible (and comfortable) taking the lead. Though the firm’s goal is to cause the attorney to appear alone as early as possible, that is not to be done with fear that the associate attorney is not fully prepared and supported.

Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement plan and professional development including formal litigation training.

Requirements

•         Minimum 1-2 years of experience 
•         J.D. from an accredited law school
•         Active license in Indiana, required. Active license in Kentucky / Illinois is preferred
•         Strong litigation skills
•         Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
•         Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
•         Client-service mindset and ability to build lasting relationships with clients