JOB DETAILS

Law Clerk to Associate Attorney

CompanySMITH FREED & EBERHARD PC
LocationSeattle
Work ModeOn Site
PostedAugust 13, 2026
About The Company
At Smith Freed Eberhard, we go beyond the practice of law – we redefine legal excellence with our expertise in civil defense. Proudly serving Oregon since 1987 and Washington for over a decade, we believe that every team member plays a crucial role in our success! By fostering a collaborative environment that values respect for all seniority levels and backgrounds, we deliver favorable outcomes to our clients. We encourage our Associates to grow by offering a variety of development opportunities, such as our Black Belt Trial Advocacy program, CLEs, and Lunch & Learns – through both active participation and the opportunities to present. We provide competitive and rewarding incentive programs, which we review and strive to enhance each year. In 2026 we added Student Loan Repayment Assistance to help our employees pay off student debt earlier. We enjoy spending time together throughout the year, including in-house happy hours, family BBQs, staff outings, retreats, holiday parties, and fun, spontaneous competitions. (Our Portland office boasts a billiard room, while our Seattle office features a large community room!) We prioritize the health and well-being of our employees by providing firm-paid benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance, along with parking and mass transit contributions. We also offer voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, pet insurance, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Additionally, we offer our staff eight paid holidays each year and flexible time off to support work-life balance. We take pride in giving back to our community through fundraising for an annual charity. We have proudly partnered charities like CAT and The Children's Center - raising over $10,000 for both! At Smith Freed Eberhard, it’s more than just a job—it’s a community of people who thrive on working and succeeding together. Come be a part of it!
About the Role

Description


Join The Dynamic Team at Smith Freed Eberhard – Where Law Meets Passion and Purpose

Location: Seattle Office – In-Person/Hybrid

Specialization: Civil Litigation – Personal & Commercial Lines


At Smith Freed Eberhard, we do more than just practice law – We set new standards in legal excellence. Specializing in civil defense work, our Seattle office is on the lookout for an ambitious Civil Litigation Associate ready to dive into the dynamic realms of civil defense. From simple auto-accident cases to complex catastrophic injury claims, your role will be pivotal in defending our clients.


Why Choose Smith Freed Eberhard?

  • Mentorship That Matters: Engage with real, impactful learning under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Our mentorship transforms potential into excellence.
  • Black Belt Advocacy Course: We offer an exceptional trial advocacy training program led by top-notch acting instructors who will instruct participants in creating a winning theme, a compelling opening statement, and how to conclude your legal mastery with a closing statement.
  • Flexibility & Fun: Enjoy a work culture that promotes balance, with flexible schedules and a vibrant office environment.
  • Career Growth: Manage full case lifecycles, argue motions, and navigate complex litigations with supportive teamwork.
  • Rewarding Compensation: Competitive salary, robust benefits package, bonus opportunities, and perks like parking reimbursements and attorney retreats.

Our Promise: At Smith Freed Eberhard, you are not just joining a firm; you are becoming part of a community that champions growth, unity, and making a real impact. Ready to take the leap? Dive into a career that is as rewarding as it is challenging.


Your Role:

  • Case Management Mastery: Learn to take full ownership of the case lifecycle, from initial assessment to resolution. Your diligent management skills will keep cases on track and ensure all deadlines are met.
  • Collaborative Team Player: Join a team of skilled attorneys and staff and develop your skills under their guidance. Your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate will contribute to our shared success and uphold the firm’s reputation for excellence.
  • Strategic Problem Solver: Develop your legal acumen to devise and implement strategic solutions that protect client interests and achieve optimal outcomes in litigation.


Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly pay moving to $100,000 annual salary upon obtaining license to practice law in Washington
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Student debt assistance
  • 50% reimbursement on bar prep and fees (contingent on passing the bar)
  • Firm paid Bar Association fees, CLE fees, and applicable memberships
  • Employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Mass transit, parking, and 401K plan with employer contribution
  • Voluntary Insurance including STD, LTD, and Life Insurance
  • Black Belt Trial Advocacy Training – visit website for more information
  • Attorney retreats, mentorship programs, Lunch & Learns, and Trial Talks
  • Flexible work schedule


Apply Today & Shape Tomorrow with Smith Freed Eberhard

Smith Freed Eberhard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service obligations or other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.


Requirements

We Are Looking For:

  • 2026 Washington law school graduates who will either sit for the September 2026 Washington Bar Exam or qualify for Washington's bar admission by waiver, with the expectation of obtaining Washington bar licensure in Fall 2026
  • Candidates with exceptional organizational, analytical, and legal writing skills who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are able to effectively manage multiple priorities
Key Skills
Civil litigationCase managementLegal writingAnalytical skillsOrganizational skillsTrial advocacyStrategic problem solvingCommunicationCollaborationLegal research
Categories
Legal
Benefits
Competitive salaryBonus opportunitiesStudent debt assistanceBar prep and fees reimbursementFirm paid Bar Association feesCLE feesMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insurancePaid parental leaveMass transit planParking plan401k planVoluntary insuranceMentorship programsAttorney retreats
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The associate will manage full case lifecycles from initial assessment to resolution, including arguing motions and handling complex litigation. They will collaborate with a team of attorneys to devise strategic solutions that protect client interests.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
80
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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