Associate Attorney

Bring your legal mind. We’ll help you build your practice.

Are you looking for meaningful litigation experience, opportunities to grow, and colleagues who invest in your development?

About the Role

Cosgrave Vergeer Kester LLP is seeking an Associate Attorney with at least three years of civil litigation experience to join our team. This role offers varied work and direct client interaction alongside experienced attorneys who value practical problem-solving and responsive client service.

Your work may include personal injury, general liability, business disputes, and construction litigation. You will contribute throughout the life of a case, with increasing responsibility as your skills and experience develop.

You will work closely with partners, other associates, paralegals, and legal assistants. Each associate is also assigned a partner mentor to support professional development, help navigate firm expectations, and serve as a sounding board as you build your practice.

You —

• Enjoy analyzing complex legal questions and developing practical strategies for your clients.
• Have strong research and analytical skills and take pride in clear, persuasive writing.
• Communicate proactively and professionally with clients and colleagues.
• Bring sound judgment, initiative, and attention to detail to your work.
• Stay organized and responsive while managing competing deadlines.
• Value teamwork, welcome feedback, and want to continue growing as an attorney.
• Are committed to the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and are admitted to the Oregon State Bar.
• Bring at least three years of civil litigation experience.

Us —

• We are a well-established Portland law firm known for integrity, professionalism, and high-quality legal service.
• We value collaboration, share knowledge, and invest in mentorship.
• We balance tradition with innovation and take our work seriously while making room for humor and connection.
  
• We are committed to ethical excellence, community involvement, and a positive work environment.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct legal research and analysis and draft pleadings, motions, and other legal documents.
• Contribute to case evaluation, litigation strategy, discovery, and trial preparation.
• Handle or assist with depositions, hearings, court appearances, and client communications.
• Keep supervising attorneys informed about case progress, deadlines, and developing issues.
• Manage case deadlines and maintain accurate, organized files and documentation.
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff to coordinate workflow and move matters forward efficiently.
• Participate in firm and client meetings.
• Travel regularly within the local area for court appearances, depositions, client meetings, and occasional site inspections, with occasional travel elsewhere in Oregon or nearby states.

What We Offer

At Cosgrave, you’ll find a community where your contributions matter and relationships extend beyond casework. Our team connects through firm lunches, happy hours, outings, and even a company softball team. With events during the workday and after hours, there are different ways to get involved.

We complement our culture with benefits that support your health, future, and balance:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with multiple plan options.
• Time Off to Recharge, including unlimited PTO, 10 firm holidays, and sick time.
• Retirement Plan with Firm Contributions to support your future.
• Paid Family & Medical Leave, plus firm-paid disability and life insurance.
• HSA with Firm Contributions for employees enrolled in an eligible high-deductible health plan, plus FSA options.
• Employee Assistance Program with counseling, childcare, financial, and wellness resources.
• Competitive Pay for the meaningful work you do.

Bring your experience, curiosity, and commitment to client service. We look forward to getting to know you.