Attorney - Maritime

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.

About the role

We are seeking an Attorney to work closely with Partners on matters involving maritime personal injury, Jones Act/maintenance and cure/unseaworthiness claims, general maritime law, limitations of liability, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) matters, and related insurance defense and maritime issues. The role includes managing assigned maritime matters, factual case development (e.g., interviewing witnesses, assessing medical records), preparing discovery demands and responses, drafting motions, preparing witnesses for depositions, participating in mediations, and assisting with trial and arbitration preparation. Depending on skill level, the Associate may also conduct depositions and argue motions or make court appearances. Travel is required for site inspections, vessel inspections, hearings, depositions, and court appearances as needed.

Responsibilities

• Supports in the defense and prosecution of maritime and admiralty matters.
• Manages assigned cases from intake through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Handles matters involving the Jones Act, general maritime law, LHWCA, marine insurance, and maritime personal injury claims.
• Reviews and analyzes medical records, incident reports, vessel records, maintenance logs, and maritime employment documentation, evaluating their impact on liability and damages.
• Conducts plaintiff, fact witness, and expert depositions; prepares deposition outlines, exhibits, and summaries.
• Drafts and argues discovery, dispositive, and other motions, including motions to compel, motions to dismiss, and motions for summary judgment; appears at hearings as required.
• Drafts motions in limine and other pre-trial materials; supports evidentiary and trial strategy in maritime proceedings.
• Participates in mediations, settlement negotiations, and settlement conferences as assigned.
• Conducts and attends site and vessel inspections and in-person depositions; travel is primarily regional and typically 2–3 days at a time as needed.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state court rules, maritime procedural requirements, and case management deadlines.
• Collaborates with legal assistants, paralegals, and the Partner to ensure cases progress efficiently and strategically.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide indirect guidance or task coordination to legal assistants, clerical staff, or interns in connection with case preparation and defense-related activities.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the state of Florida.
• 3–7 years of experience practicing maritime and admiralty law.
• Experience handling Jones Act, general maritime, LHWCA, or maritime personal injury matters preferred.
• Experience conducting depositions preferred.
• Experience in the courtroom, including arguing motions, preferred.
• Experience drafting dispositive motions required.
• Mediation or settlement negotiation experience preferred.
• Federal court experience strongly 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.

Benefits

• Competitive annual compensation package with bonus potential.
• Flexible working environment supporting career and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Packages:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision.
  • FSA Medical & FSA Dependent Care.
  • Life Insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D.
  • EAP and supplementary voluntary health plans.
• Biometric Wellness Screenings.
• Commuter Reimbursement Program (parking, train, bus, etc.).
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous firm match.

Culture

At Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, we cultivate talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We offer a vibrant, inclusive culture where professional growth is celebrated, and success thrives through innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Your voice will be heard, your contributions valued, and your potential realized.