In-House Trial Attorney

We are a well-established, multi-entity West Michigan family-owned business group with an active and growing commercial litigation docket. We are seeking a seasoned trial attorney ready to step out of firm life and into a high-responsibility, high-autonomy in-house role where your courtroom skills are the product.

This is not a contract review position. This is not a settle-everything role. We try cases.

About the Role

You will serve as primary in-house trial counsel for an active civil litigation portfolio spanning commercial disputes, insurance recovery, and contract enforcement. You will work directly alongside ownership and collaborate with outside trial counsel on complex matters. You will have the resources, support, and authority to do your job well.
This role is for someone who is energized by the courtroom — not someone looking to avoid it.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active civil docket from intake through verdict
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and trial briefs
• Prepare witnesses and handle all aspects of trial preparation
• Coordinate with outside counsel on strategy for complex cases
• Advise ownership on litigation risk and case positioning
• Maintain organized case files and litigation timelines.

Requirements

• Active Michigan Bar license in good standing — no exceptions
• Minimum 15 trials taken to verdict as lead counsel
• 7+ years civil litigation experience
• Demonstrated experience in commercial, insurance, or contract litigation
• Ability to operate independently without firm infrastructure
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• West Michigan based or willing to relocate.

Preffered but NOT Required

• Experience with insurance bad faith or coverage disputes
• Familiarity with Michigan MCL statutes governing insurance claims
• Prior in-house counsel experience
• District and Circuit Court experience in West Michigan.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Full-time, stable in-house position — no billable hour requirements
• No rainmaking, no business development pressure
• Direct working relationship with ownership and decision makers
• Real, active litigation — you will be in courtrooms regularly
• Supportive legal team already in place
• Long-term role with a growing, financially stable organization.

Who Thrives Here

You’ve been grinding at a firm for years. You’re good in the courtroom and you know it. But you’re tired of the politics, the billing pressure, and the partnership track that may never materialize. You want ownership of a real docket, a stable paycheck, and a seat at the table where decisions get made. If that’s you, we want to talk.

To Apply

Send your resume and a brief summary of your trial history — including number of trials, case types, and venues — to: westmichiganbiz@gmail.com
Applicants who do not include trial history will not be considered.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Work Location: In person