Job Title: Associate Attorney – Workers’ Compensation Defense
Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid – 2 days/week in-office, highly flexible) Position Type: Full-Time
About the Firm
We are a premier, highly successful workers’ compensation defense firm with a strong regional footprint. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional legal advocacy while maintaining a highly manageable, balanced workload for our team. We actively reject the "sink or swim" approach. Every new attorney is paired with a dedicated mentor who teaches the practice area from the ground up, assists with professional development, and introduces them to established client networks.
Position Overview
We are seeking detail-oriented, collaborative Associate Attorneys to join our Portland office. This position is ideal for both experienced workers' compensation attorneys and civil litigators looking to pivot into a stable, predictable, and highly lucrative practice area.
We successfully train attorneys with no prior workers' compensation experience. Candidates with backgrounds in personal injury (PI), insurance defense, healthcare-adjacent law, or family law often excel here, as their skills translate seamlessly into our practice.
Key Responsibilities
Manage a caseload of Oregon and/or Washington workers’ compensation defense matters.
Draft high-quality legal documents, including opinion letters and concurrence letters to medical professionals.
Take ownership of files from intake through resolution, maintaining proactive communication with clients and claims examiners.
Collaborate closely with partners, fellow associates, and a tight-knit support staff.
What We Are Looking For
Education & License: J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing (Oregon or Washington; dual licensure is a plus).
Skills: Strong writing and analytical background, excellent communication skills, and an acute attention to detail.
Culture Fit: A true team player. Our associates are collegial, build each other up, and show mutual respect across all levels of support staff. We value humility, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn over arrogance.
Compensation, Billables & Benefits
Bonuses: Additional yearly bonus potential plus production-based bonuses for extra work to reward those who choose to go above and beyond.
Partnership Track: Highly transparent path to partnership, typically achievable within 5 years. Partnership considerations value intangibles such as setting a good work example, attending firm events, and contributing to firm committees.
Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: Hybrid schedule requiring only 2 days per week in-office. The schedule is highly flexible and tailored to whatever works best for an individual’s family, health, and overall needs.
Paid Time Off
Benefits Package: Standard medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) eligibility after 1 year with a 3% firm match.
Professional Development: The firm pays for standard annual Bar dues.
Firm Culture: Deeply family-oriented with numerous firm-sponsored events throughout the year for the whole family.
How to Apply
If you are looking for a collaborative environment where you can take ownership of your career without sacrificing your personal life, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume to Nykki McAdoo at nykki.mcadoo@gogpac.com.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
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