Associate Attorney - CS

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 values collaboration, integrity, and excellence.

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Handle a large volume of files successfully and meet deadlines in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Professional and effective communication with clients, insurance adjusters, judges, physicians, and other professionals, as well as team members.
• Independently conduct research and analyze case law, rules, and statutes, including the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act and Rules of Procedure.
• Apply legal analysis to provide effective counsel to clients.
• Review and analyze voluminous medical records and discovery, combining them with legal analysis to produce 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 witness interviews, and addressing other assigned tasks.

Requirements

• 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.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills.
• Experience with medical terminology and language is preferred but not required.
• Experience in workers' compensation law is highly beneficial but not required.
• Strong legal research skills for navigating complex legal issues.
• Strong negotiation skills for settling cases and reaching favorable outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills to assess cases, gather evidence, and develop legal strategies.
• Familiarity with the insurance industry and claims processes is valuable.
• Proficiency in using computer software and legal research databases (like Lexis or Westlaw).

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 and paid holidays.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Paid garage parking with 3 days in-office.
• Casual but professional work environment.

Pay

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