Job Title: Pre-Litigation Attorney
Location: Onsite - Charlotte or Wilmington, NC
Job Type:
Full-TimeAbout 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 timelines
- Serve as the primary attorney contact for pre litigation clients, setting clear expectations and keeping them informed
- Direct evidence development and oversee medical records and bills, analyzing treatment, causation, and future care needs
- Draft persuasive demand packages with clear liability analysis and a damages narrative that tells each client's story
- Negotiate settlements directly with adjusters and advise clients on offers, lien reductions, and net recovery
- Track 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 receive
- Claims are valued accurately, with coverage and deadlines identified early
- Demands are thorough and persuasive, leading to stronger settlement outcomes
- Client net recovery reflects careful negotiation and lien resolution
- Files that need litigation are flagged early and transition with a complete record
- Case 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 standing 2+ years of personal injury experience, with a strong focus on Personal Injury, pre litigation claims
- Proven track record negotiating settlements with insurance carriers
- Clear, persuasive legal writing and a confident, professional presence with clients and adjusters
- Highly organized and detail oriented, comfortable managing a substantial caseload against cycle time and settlement goals
- Trustworthy and discreet with sensitive client and case information
Bonus Points:- Experience with Filevine or similar case management software
- Bilingual in Spanish
- Familiarity with preparing files for a smooth transition to litigation
- Experience with pre suit mediation or early neutral evaluation
- Experience with complex and high value claims
- Physical Requirements/Work Requirements & Environment
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Standard day shift, in office
Limited travel; 0-10%EEO Statement
We 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. 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.
Notice of E-Verify Participation
Right to Work
