Job Description

Senior Civil Trial Attorney / Practice Leader | Tampa, FL

A growing Tampa law firm is seeking a Florida-licensed Senior Civil Trial Attorney to help lead and grow a civil litigation practice with a unique mix of insurance defense and select plaintiff-side matters. This is more than a standard litigation role—it is an opportunity for an experienced trial lawyer to take meaningful ownership of litigation strategy, mentor attorneys and staff, improve practice systems, and help shape the future of the practice.

The ideal candidate is a confident, practical civil trial lawyer who understands the demands of insurance defense while also being comfortable evaluating and handling plaintiff-side matters. This role is well suited for someone who wants greater autonomy, leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to build something rather than simply manage a docket.

What You'll Do

• Handle and oversee civil litigation matters from intake through resolution, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediation, settlement, trial preparation, and trial
• Develop litigation strategy, evaluate liability and damages, manage risk, and prepare cases for successful resolution or trial
• Handle insurance defense matters involving general liability, premises liability, automobile negligence, trucking, coverage-related issues, and similar claims
• Evaluate and work on select plaintiff-side matters, including liability development, damages analysis, case valuation, and trial strategy
• Maintain direct client relationships and provide practical, strategic legal guidance
• Mentor attorneys and staff and supervise litigation workflows
• Help improve systems for case evaluation, deadlines, reporting, attorney accountability, trial preparation, and file progression
• Contribute to the long-term growth and direction of the practice

What We're Looking For

• Active Florida Bar membership in good standing
• Meaningful civil jury trial experience, preferably with first-chair or substantial second-chair responsibility
• Prior insurance defense experience strongly preferred
• Ability and willingness to handle plaintiff-side matters
• Strong litigation strategy, legal writing, communication, and courtroom skills
• Leadership experience supervising attorneys or staff, mentoring younger lawyers, or improving litigation systems
• Strong professional judgment, practical litigation instincts, and a trial-focused mindset
• Board Certification in Civil Trial Law is a plus
• Senior Associate, Partner, Of Counsel, Managing Attorney, or Lead Trial Attorney experience is highly valued

What Makes This Opportunity Different

This position offers the opportunity to help build and shape a litigation practice, rather than simply inherit a caseload. The successful attorney will have meaningful input into litigation strategy, practice development, attorney mentorship, and operational systems.

The firm is open to discussing performance-based incentives, bonus opportunities, partnership track, profit participation, or other leadership-aligned compensation structures for the right candidate.

Work Structure

• Hybrid opportunity
• Tampa, FL
• Competitive compensation based on experience, trial background, and leadership responsibilities
• Potential long-term path toward expanded leadership and partnership

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior insurance defense attorney seeking greater autonomy, a plaintiff attorney with meaningful defense experience, or a seasoned civil trial lawyer who enjoys trying cases, mentoring others, and helping build a practice.

For confidential consideration, contact Kaelan.Dea@gogpac.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.