Pre-Litigation Attorney (Onsite)

Job Title: Pre-Litigation AttorneyLocation: Onsite - Charlotte or Wilmington, NCJob Type: Full-Time

Find out exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you will need to succeed in this role before applying below.
About Horton & MendezJoin Our Team: The Culture Behind Horton & Mendez, a Growing NC Law FirmHorton & Mendez is a North Carolina personal injury law firm headquartered in Wilmington, with offices across the state. Founded by former insurance defense attorneys, we bring insider knowledge and a client-first approach to every case. Our mission is simple: to level the playing field for injured people by providing compassionate, personalized, and effective legal representation.
We’re proud to be recognized as one of Wilmington’s Best Places to Work, ranking in the top 10 on the 2027 list. We believe great work starts with a great team, and we’re committed to creating a culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow.
About the Role:Horton & Mendez is seeking an experienced Pre Litigation Attorney to manage a caseload of personal injury matters in the pre litigation stage. This role owns each file from injury to settlement or escalation to our litigation team, bringing seasoned judgment to case strategy, demand preparation, and negotiation with insurance carriers. The right person has deep personal injury experience, writes persuasively, and communicates with clients with empathy and clarity.
What You'll Do:Evaluate new matters for liability, damages, and coverage, and set early case strategy and timelinesServe as the primary attorney contact for pre litigation clients, setting clear expectations and keeping them informedDirect evidence development and oversee medical records and bills, analyzing treatment, causation, and future care needsDraft persuasive demand packages with clear liability analysis and a damages narrative that tells each client's storyNegotiate settlements directly with adjusters and advise clients on offers, lien reductions, and net recoveryTrack statutes of limitation and critical deadlines, and make timely recommendations on files that should move to litigation
How This Role Creates Impact:Clients understand where their case stands and trust the guidance they receiveClaims are valued accurately, with coverage and deadlines identified earlyDemands are thorough and persuasive, leading to stronger settlement outcomesClient net recovery reflects careful negotiation and lien resolutionFiles that need litigation are flagged early and transition with a complete recordCase managers and paralegals have clear direction that keeps every file moving
What we are looking for:J.D. from an accredited law school and an active North Carolina bar license in good standing2+ years of personal injury experience, with a strong focus on Personal Injury, pre litigation claimsProven track record negotiating settlements with insurance carriersClear, persuasive legal writing and a confident, professional presence with clients and adjustersHighly organized and detail oriented, comfortable managing a substantial caseload against cycle time and settlement goalsTrustworthy and discreet with sensitive client and case information
Bonus Points:Experience with Filevine or similar case management softwareBilingual in SpanishFamiliarity with preparing files for a smooth transition to litigationExperience with pre suit mediation or early neutral evaluationExperience with complex and high value claims
Physical Requirements/Work Requirements & EnvironmentProlonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Standard day shift, in officeLimited travel; 0-10%
EEO StatementWe are committed to hiring the best people for the job, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. xzbcwsv In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
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