Attorney - Construction
Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is a premier insurance defense trial law firm with a presence spanning Florida, New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas. We are nationally recognized for our work in insurance defense, admiralty and maritime law, transportation and trucking, personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice defense, construction, subrogation, and products liability litigation. The firm holds an AV® Preeminent rating—the highest peer-review distinction from Martindale-Hubbell—and is consistently ranked among the most diverse law firms in South Florida. Our attorneys are known for delivering swift, lucrative results, backed by a 24/7 emergency action response team serving clients in domestic and international jurisdictions.
About the role
The Construction Attorney role will be responsible for handling litigation matters across the firm's specialized practice areas and will be responsible for handling most aspects of litigation, including legal drafting, handling discovery requests and responses, conducting legal research, written discovery, motion practice, court appearances, mediations, client and witness interviews, arbitration and trial preparation.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. However, the individual may provide indirect guidance or task coordination to legal assistants, clerical staff, or interns in connection with case preparation and defense-related activities.
Responsibilities
- Independently manages cases involving Construction matters statewide.
- Conducts and defends fact and expert depositions, including retained and opposing experts.
- Drafts and argues dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment, and appears at related hearings.
- Performs site inspections and attends in-person depositions as required.
- Prepares litigation strategy, evaluates exposure, and advises clients on case direction with a trial-ready approach.
- Manages a high volume of files while ensuring compliance with court rules, deadlines, and procedural requirements.
- Maintains and grows client relationships, including managing an established and expanding book of business.
- Utilizes internal and external resources as needed to address complex legal and factual issues.
- Maintains a skilled working knowledge of federal and state civil procedure.
- Exercises flexibility, composure, and the ability to prioritize and handle time-sensitive tasks and requests simultaneously with a high level of proficiency and accuracy; remains composed and professional under stressful circumstances; upholds commitment to ethical and confidentiality requirements; demonstrates solid client service skills.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar.
- Minimum 3 years of experience practicing construction law.
- Experience conducting depositions preferred.
- Experience in the courtroom, including arguing motions, preferred.
Skills
- Communicate clearly and professionally—both verbally and in writing—with clients, attorneys, business professionals, and external parties.
- Produce high‑quality work product, respond to calls, and return correspondence promptly and efficiently.
- Deliver accurate, timely, and reliable work and consistently meet deadlines and performance expectations.
- Build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships.
- Adhere to all firm policies, procedures, and professional standards.
- Perform both sedentary and physical tasks, including:
- Working at a computer for extended periods (on-screen reading, drafting, and typing)
- Participating in virtual meetings and conference calls
- Attending in-person meetings as needed
- Manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
- Perform other duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.