Senior Trial Counsel

Description
Company Overview
CMBG3 Law is a majority women-owned nationwide law firm comprised of a diverse team of pro-active trial attorneys, litigators, lobbyists, consultants, paralegals, and staff. CMBG3 Law takes a proactive approach to solving legal problems through best-in-class business counsel, regulatory compliance, risk prevention, government affairs advocacy, litigation, and national litigation management. We deliver custom-tailored legal strategies for complex matters requiring sophisticated scientific, regulatory, and technological expertise in state and federal courts in over 20 U.S. States from its east coast and west coast offices. CMBG3's Cares division is committed to serving the communities in which it practices through pro bono work, charitable initiatives, and donations. CMBG3's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division sponsors programs to promote a diverse and inclusive culture.

Position Title
: Senior Trial Counsel
Reports To
: Partner, Trial Division
Senior Trial Counsel serves as the first chair trial attorney in complex litigation matters, with primary responsibility for developing and executing trial strategy from inception through verdict." This role requires substantial first-chair trial experience, advanced advocacy skills, and the ability to manage high-stakes litigation independently while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and firm leadership. The position involves significant client interaction, mentorship of junior attorneys, and leadership in both trial and pre-trial proceedings. Some travel is expected in connection with hearings, depositions, trials, client meetings, and court appearances in various jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first-chair trial counsel in complex litigation matters in state and federal courts, including responsibility for trial strategy, presentation, and execution.
• Draft and oversee original motions, pleadings, and substantive litigation filings in complex matters, including dispositive and evidentiary motions.
• Lead all phases of discovery, including development of discovery strategy, drafting and responding to written discovery, and managing discovery exchanged among multiple parties.
• Develop, refine, and execute case defenses, litigation strategy, and trial themes with full strategic autonomy.
• Analyze and apply state and federal case law, statutes, and regulatory authority to case facts in support of dispositive motions, evidentiary motions, and trial strategy.
• Prepare, examine, and cross-examine fact witnesses, expert witnesses, and corporate representatives in depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Take and defend lay, expert, and corporate representative depositions, including strategic preparation and examination.
• Argue motions and lead court appearances, hearings, and evidentiary proceedings.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear, strategic, and professional oral and written communication, including trial preparation and post-trial reporting.
• Draft comprehensive pre-trial reports, trial briefs, case evaluations, and exposure and risk analyses.
• Lead mediations, settlement conferences, and court-mandated proceedings; negotiate settlements and trial resolutions with plaintiffs and opposing counsel.
• Develop comprehensive strategies for case resolution, balancing trial risk, client objectives, and business considerations.
• Supervise, assign, and review work performed by junior attorneys, paralegals, and litigation support staff to ensure trial readiness and strategic consistency.
• Serve as a mentor and trial resource to junior attorneys, including providing courtroom training and advocacy guidance.
• Provide substantive leadership and trial support to Shareholders, Partners, and Senior Counsel on high-exposure matters.
• Participate in business development, client presentations, and firm growth initiatives, including leveraging trial experience to support client relationships.
• Demonstrate leadership through participation in bar associations, professional organizations, and community involvement.
• Meet annual billable hour requirements and comply with firm timekeeping, ethical, and professional responsibility policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested by management.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to practice law and in good standing in the state of Illinois; multiple state bar admissions strongly preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) or more years of litigation experience in a law firm environment, with significant first-chair trial experience. Asbestos, Talc, or other toxic tort experience defense highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience serving as lead trial counsel in state and/or federal court proceedings, including jury and bench trials.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for trials, hearings, depositions, and client meetings, including travel outside the attorney's home jurisdiction.
• Proven ability to manage high-stakes, complex litigation matters from inception through trial and resolution.
• Substantive litigation experience in one or more of the following areas: product liability, toxic torts, environmental law, commercial litigation, construction litigation, insurance defense, business litigation, or other complex risk management matters. Asbestos, Talc, or other toxic tort experience defense highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing billable work and meeting billable hour requirements in a law firm setting.
• Strong client service orientation with proven experience advising clients on trial strategy, risk, and outcomes.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure litigation environment.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience supervising attorneys and litigation support staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with Filevine or other document management systems preferred.
• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills with strong attention to detail and strategic judgment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while exercising sound professional and ethical judgment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and committed to continued professional development and trial excellence.
• Professional, polished demeanor and commitment to the highest ethical standards.

The firm's expected salary range for this position is $225,000-$275,000. Actual salary will be determined based on education, experience, internal equity and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law. Higher compensation is possible with a portable book of business. The firm offers benefits including comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, and paid time off and holidays.

This job description is intended to be general and will evolve over time. The description is subject to periodic updating. At management's discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.
Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
CMBG3 Law P.C. is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace consistent with the principles of the American Bar Association and the Mansfield Rule. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those historically underrepresented in the legal profession. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Qualified applicants must be able to complete essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation(s).