Civil Litigation Attorney

Commercial and Civil litigation attorney, will handle contract disputes, negligence claims, business disputes, and general civil litigation

Lewis Gianola PLLC is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Civil Litigation Attorney to join its growing litigation practice. This role offers the opportunity to represent businesses, financial institutions, developers, employers, government entities, nonprofit organizations, and private clients in a wide range of complex civil disputes. The successful candidate will manage cases from initial investigation and pleadings through discovery, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal. Lewis Gianola has a long-standing reputation for providing strategic, client-focused legal counsel throughout West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with a strong emphasis on commercial, real estate, construction, employment, and business litigation matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse civil litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests, and other legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and develop litigation strategies tailored to client objectives.
• Handle depositions, witness examinations, mediations, arbitrations, hearings, and trials.
• Represent clients in state and federal courts.
• Advise clients regarding litigation risk, compliance issues, dispute resolution strategies, and settlement opportunities.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice groups, including business, real estate, construction, bankruptcy, employment, and regulatory law.
• Prepare and argue dispositive motions and appellate matters when necessary.
• Manage electronic discovery and document review processes.
• settlement Negotiations.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication and trusted legal counsel.
• Participate in business development activities, networking events, and client outreach initiatives.

Representative Case Types

The Civil Litigation Attorney may handle matters involving:

• Commercial and business disputes
• Breach of contract claims
• Shareholder and partnership disputes
• Fraud, misrepresentation, and business torts
• Real estate and property litigation
• Construction defect and contractor disputes
• Mechanics' liens and construction claims
• Employment litigation and workplace disputes
• Insurance coverage and bad faith claims
• Consumer protection and regulatory matters
• Premises liability and negligence claims
• Product liability litigation
• Complex multi-party litigation
• Appeals and alternative dispute resolution proceedings

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the West Virginia State Bar (or ability to obtain admission promptly).
• 2+ years of civil litigation experience.
• Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Experience drafting motions, pleadings, and discovery documents.
• Deposition and courtroom experience.
• Ability to independently manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Strong negotiation and client counseling abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred

• 2-5 + years of litigation experience.
• Experience in commercial litigation, construction litigation, employment litigation, or real estate disputes.
• Federal court experience.
• Trial experience as first or second chair.
• Experience with mediation and arbitration proceedings.
• Portable book of business is a plus but not required.

Technical Skills

• Legal research platforms (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Electronic filing systems (state and federal courts)
• Document management and e-discovery platforms
• Case management software

Desired Competencies

• Strategic problem-solving
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills
• Attention to detail
• Business-minded legal judgment
• Ability to work collaboratively across practice areas
• Exceptional client service orientation
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced litigation environment

Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contribution
• Paid bar dues and CLE reimbursement
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Opportunity to work on sophisticated litigation matters with experienced attorneys