Civil Associate
Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C., is a client-focused law firm providing comprehensive legal services across a range of practice areas. Since 1966, RJS attorneys have been consistently recognized for their zealous advocacy on behalf of clients—corporate and individual. RJS attorneys have extensive trial experience, an unparalleled work ethic, and a commitment to professionalism reflected in their involvement in pro bono and professional organizations in Tennessee and nationally. In stark contrast to lawyers seeking volume practices, RJS is selective in the cases it accepts and understands that effective representation is built on strong relationships. Its attorneys are dedicated to listening to and understanding clients’ unique needs and providing the highest level of legal advocacy tailored to their specific goals.
About the role:
RJS is looking for an associate to join the team and support complex civil litigation matters. This role is best suited for an entrepreneurial attorney or 3L committed to building a practice and gaining substantial independent experience, including stand-up opportunities, with the mentorship of experienced counsel. A judicial clerkship is preferred but not required. Responsibilities may include the following:
- Handle all aspects of litigation, including the development of court submissions;
- Manage discovery, including overseeing document collection, production, and review;
- Draft legal briefs, pleadings, and memoranda;
- Argue substantive motions in court;
- Work with expert witnesses to prepare opinions and reports;
- Assist in the preparation for trial, including the development of litigation strategies, examination of witnesses, and preparation of trial briefs and court presentations;
- Collaborate with clients to understand their technology and business needs and to develop tailored litigation strategies;
- Work closely with a team of attorneys, paralegals, and experts to ensure effective, comprehensive litigation strategies.
What we’re looking for:
- Superior academic credentials;
- Outstanding legal research skills;
- Ability to develop creative legal arguments and litigation strategies;
- Knowledge of relevant software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems;
- Attention to detail, including the ability to complete complex projects and tasks without error;
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
- Strong organizational skills;
- Good judgment and initiative, including the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and troubleshoot;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
- Proficiency with Westlaw, LexisNexis, and appropriate AI research tools and platforms, as well as PACER, SEC/EDGAR, and other court-related websites and/or media, as well as computer research generally;
- Knowledge and proficiency in working with e-discovery and analysis and presentation of electronic evidence;
- Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain strict confidentiality;
- Ability to work well under pressure in a demanding and fast-paced environment with tight deadlines; and
- Flexibility to work as necessary to meet needs of the clients.
Compensation
Compensation is top tier of the market, includes a generous employee benefit package and semi-annual bonuses, and factors in experience and performance.
To apply, please provide a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample of 5-10 pages to team@rjs.law. The writing sample should include a brief statement regarding the level of review and revision provided by third parties, such as supervisors and professors. If an applicant progresses through the interview process, the applicant may also be asked to participate in a short writing exercise taking no more than 2-3 hours.
Litigation Analyst / Paralegal
Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C., is a client-focused law firm providing comprehensive legal services across a range of practice areas. Since 1966, RJS attorneys have been consistently recognized for their zealous advocacy on behalf of clients—corporate and individual. RJS attorneys have extensive trial experience, an unparalleled work ethic, and a commitment to professionalism reflected in their involvement in pro bono and professional organizations in Tennessee and nationally. In stark contrast to lawyers seeking volume practices, RJS is selective in the cases it accepts and understands that effective representation is built on strong relationships. Its attorneys are dedicated to listening to and understanding clients’ unique needs and providing the highest level of legal advocacy tailored to their specific goals.
About the role:
RJS is looking for an experienced litigation analyst / paralegal to join the team and the firm’s work on complex civil litigation matters. This team member’s day-to-day responsibilities may include the following:
- Meet the Firm’s standards of professionalism and excellence in providing litigation support;
- Actively participate in document collection and production, deposition preparation, hearings and trials;
- Ensure established schedules and deadlines are tracked and met;
- Organize and maintain case files using a variety of automated procedures;
- Employ web-hosted databases and review platforms for searches and document productions;
- Conduct cite checks and case pulls using Lexis and/or Westlaw databases;
- Assist with legal research and factual investigations;
- Coordinate with clients to gather and convey information;
- Prepare daily time entries and other firm accounting documentation as required by established policies and practices;
- Assist with pro bono, firm-directed and client development projects; and
- Perform other duties, as assigned.
What we’re looking for:
- Knowledge of relevant software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems;
- Knowledge and proficiency in working with e-discovery and analysis and presentation of electronic evidence;
- Attention to detail, including the ability to complete complex projects and tasks without error;
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
- Strong organizational skills;
- Good judgment and initiative, including the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and troubleshoot;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
- Proficiency in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and appropriate AI research tools and platforms, as well as PACER, SEC/EDGAR, and other court-related websites and/or media as well as computer research generally;
- Fluency with court filings, in both paper and electronic (e-filing formats);
- Working knowledge of Tennessee state court and Eastern District of Tennessee rules and procedures;
- Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality;
- Ability to work well under pressure in a demanding and fast-paced environment with tight-deadlines; and
- Flexibility to work as necessary to meet needs of the clients.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Three years of civil litigation experience preferred
Compensation
Compensation is top tier of the market, is dependent on experience and performance, and includes a generous employee benefit package and semi-annual bonuses.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to team@rjs.law. The writing sample should include a brief statement regarding the level of review and revision provided by third parties, such as supervisors and professors. If an applicant progresses through the interview process, the applicant may also be asked to participate in a short writing exercise taking no more than one hour.
Summer Associates
Our Summer Associate Program provides law students with a hands-on opportunity to experience life in our firm and is intended to mirror the associate experience. Our full summer program generally begins in May and ends in early August with limited split summer terms available. There may be an opportunity for successful Summer Associates to continue part-time employment with RJS during the academic year.
During the program, Summer Associates work directly with our attorneys to gain experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. In previous years, Summer Associates have had the opportunity to:
- Work with attorneys on developing sophisticated legal theories and arguments;
- Research and draft legal briefs in ongoing criminal defense and civil litigation;
- Attend client meetings, legal hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials;
- Review and analyze complex discovery productions;
- Receive regular feedback from attorneys to help you develop and grow as a law student and prepare for entry into the legal field; and
- Attend social events with our attorneys.
A successful candidate will have excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills and will be both professional and personable. You must be proficient in legal research platforms (including Lexis and/or Westlaw), the Microsoft Office suite, and general computer skills. This position requires an exceptionally detail-oriented individual who desires to research complex and novel legal issues, develop legal arguments, draft research memoranda and briefs, and engage with attorneys, clients, and the public. This firm deals with many sensitive subject matters, and this candidate will need to be comfortable with difficult topics. It is paramount for a candidate to understand that matters in the firm must remain confidential to protect attorney-client privilege.
How to Apply
RJS participates in recruiting at law schools around the state, including the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University, and also accepts applications from out-of-state students. We accept applications each year from both 1L and 2L applicants to fill a select few Summer Associate positions.
If you are interested in joining our firm, please consider signing up for an on-campus interview at your school or submitting a cover letter, writing sample, formal resume, and transcript via email to team@rjs.law. Our firm begins recruitment for second-year law students in the Fall for the following summer and for first-year students beginning in January.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Part-Time Investigators
Our boutique criminal defense and civil litigation law firm is seeking candidates to join our legal team as a part-time investigator. This is an entry level position, and no experience is required. We will work with you to plan your work schedule around your class schedule, if applicable. This is a semester-by-semester position with potential for continued employment. There is an opportunity for full-time employment during the summer.
Your responsibilities in this position include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting multiple attorneys and paralegals with a variety of tasks
- Maintaining and organizing documents
- Preparing interoffice memorandums
- Interviewing clients and witnesses
- Filing documents in court
- Maintaining well-documented records of interviews and investigations
- Review and analysis of discovery materials and other documents
Some local travel may be required, and therefore a reliable vehicle is necessary. The firm will reimburse you for your mileage.
A successful candidate will have excellent writing and communication skills and will be both professional and personable. You must be proficient in the Microsoft Office suite and general computer skills. This position requires an exceptionally detail-oriented individual who is comfortable with taking on a variety of tasks. This firm deals with many sensitive subject matters, and this candidate will need to be comfortable with difficult topics. It is paramount for a candidate to understand that matters in the firm must remain confidential to protect attorney-client privilege.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, formal resume, and transcript via email to team@rjs.law.
Business Manager
Ritchie, Johnson & Stovall, P.C. is looking for a talented college or business school graduate to join its litigation team as a Business Manager. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced setting, values high standards, has an unparalleled work ethic, has solid communication skills, and has experience in management and operations. The work will include e-discovery, drafting, and litigation support in addition to office management. The position offers top-of-market compensation, strong benefits, and semi-annual bonuses. Experience is preferred but not required if a candidate has an exemplary academic record and solid work history. Applicants may send resumes to team@rjs.law