What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?
A personal injury attorney represents individuals who have been injured physically or psychologically due to accidents, negligence, or intentional harm. They work closely with clients to evaluate claims, explain legal rights, and pursue compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Attorneys in this role act as advocates, guiding clients through a complex legal system and providing reassurance during what is often a stressful and uncertain time.
Beyond client interaction, personal injury attorneys conduct investigations, collect medical records, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build strong cases. They negotiate settlements with insurance companies and, if necessary, present cases in court. Their work not only secures justice and compensation for victims but also holds negligent parties accountable, influencing safer practices in industries such as healthcare, transportation, and construction.
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Personal Injury Attorney Core Responsibilities
- Meet with clients to assess claims and explain legal options
- Investigate accidents by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing reports
- Draft and file legal documents, including complaints, motions, and discovery requests
- Negotiate settlements with opposing counsel or insurance companies
- Represent clients in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials
- Work with experts such as medical professionals or accident reconstructionists to support cases
- Maintain accurate client records and ensure timely communication
- Stay current with personal injury and tort law developments
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of tort law, civil litigation, and courtroom procedures
- Proficiency in legal research, drafting, and case management software
- Ability to negotiate settlements effectively
- Trial advocacy and oral argument skills
Soft skills
- Empathy and strong interpersonal communication with clients under stress
- Analytical and critical thinking abilities
- Persuasive speaking and writing skills
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required
- Bachelor’s degree in pre-law, political science, or related field required prior to JD
Certifications
- State bar admission and licensure required
- Certification in civil trial law (optional, but recommended for advanced practice)
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience practicing personal injury or civil litigation law
- Proven track record of successful settlements and trial verdicts
- Membership in professional organizations such as the American Association for Justice
National Average Salary
Personal injury attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Personal Injury Attorney is:
$125,550
Sample Job Description Templates for Personal Injury Attorneys
Entry-Level Personal Injury Attorney
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level personal injury attorney to assist in case preparation, client intake, and legal research. This role is ideal for recent law school graduates or newly licensed attorneys who are eager to gain hands-on experience in personal injury law while working under the supervision of senior attorneys.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client intake interviews and gather preliminary case details
- Assist with legal research, drafting pleadings, and preparing discovery requests
- Review accident reports, medical records, and supporting documentation
- Support senior attorneys in depositions, mediations, and trial preparation
- Draft correspondence to clients, insurance companies, and opposing counsel
- Maintain case files and ensure accurate documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of tort law and personal injury case procedures
- Proficiency in legal research platforms such as LexisNexis or Westlaw
- Basic drafting skills for pleadings, motions, and memoranda
Soft skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Empathy and ability to connect with clients under stress
- Detail-oriented and organized approach to casework
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, pre-law, or related field required prior to JD
Certifications
- State bar admission and active licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or clerkship experience in personal injury or litigation law
- Bilingual skills for working with diverse client populations
Associate Personal Injury Attorney
Position Overview
We are hiring an associate personal injury attorney to manage a growing caseload with limited supervision. This role requires demonstrated litigation experience and the ability to independently handle client communications, discovery, and negotiations.
Responsibilities
- Manage client cases from intake through settlement or trial under supervision
- Draft complaints, motions, and discovery documents
- Conduct depositions of witnesses and parties involved in claims
- Negotiate settlements with opposing counsel and insurance adjusters
- Appear in court for motions, hearings, and pretrial proceedings
- Communicate regularly with clients and keep them updated on case status
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong litigation and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in case management software and legal documentation systems
- Solid knowledge of state civil procedure rules
Soft skills
- Client-focused communication and advocacy skills
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously
- Professional judgment and critical thinking abilities
Education
- JD degree required
- Bachelor’s degree in law-related field required prior to JD
Certifications
- Active bar membership in the practicing state required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in personal injury or civil litigation law
- Demonstrated record of successful settlement negotiations
Senior Personal Injury Attorney
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior personal injury attorney to take on complex, high-value cases and provide mentorship to junior associates. This role requires extensive litigation experience, advanced trial skills, and the ability to serve as lead counsel in significant cases.
Responsibilities
- Lead high-value personal injury cases from intake through trial
- Develop case strategies and oversee evidence gathering and expert testimony
- Negotiate settlements in complex or multi-party claims
- Represent clients in depositions, mediations, and courtroom proceedings
- Mentor junior attorneys and provide case strategy guidance
- Participate in business development and client relationship building
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in trial advocacy, jury selection, and courtroom procedures
- Advanced negotiation and litigation strategy development
- Proficiency in legal drafting for complex motions and trial briefs
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
- Excellent oral and written advocacy skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving under pressure
Education
- JD degree required
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required prior to JD
Certifications
- State bar licensure required
- Civil trial certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of litigation experience in personal injury law
- Proven track record of trial victories and high-value settlements
Lead Trial Attorney (Personal Injury)
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead trial attorney to manage the trial practice of the personal injury department. This role requires extensive courtroom experience, leadership abilities, and the ability to act as primary trial counsel in major cases.
Responsibilities
- Serve as lead counsel in trials, handling jury selection, opening statements, and closing arguments
- Oversee litigation strategy and supervise trial teams
- Manage expert witnesses and direct cross-examinations
- Provide mentorship and training to junior attorneys and paralegals
- Collaborate with firm leadership to shape case strategy and trial readiness
- Represent the firm at public or professional events as a trial expert
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of trial advocacy, litigation, and courtroom presentation
- Deep knowledge of tort law and civil procedure
- Ability to manage and direct trial support staff effectively
Soft skills
- Exceptional leadership and public speaking skills
- Ability to remain composed and persuasive under pressure
- Strong collaboration skills with legal teams and clients
Education
- JD degree required
- Bachelor’s degree required prior to JD
Certifications
- State bar admission required
- Civil trial law certification highly recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience as trial counsel in personal injury litigation
- Demonstrated history of winning complex jury trials
Personal Injury Law Firm Partner
Position Overview
We are seeking a personal injury law firm partner to provide leadership, manage key cases, and contribute to the firm’s strategic direction. This senior role combines client advocacy with firm management, requiring both litigation expertise and business acumen.
Responsibilities
- Manage the firm’s most complex or high-value personal injury cases
- Oversee firm operations, including staffing, budgeting, and strategic planning
- Mentor and evaluate attorneys across the firm
- Develop new client relationships and support firm business development efforts
- Represent the firm at industry conferences, bar associations, and networking events
- Ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards across the practice
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive litigation and trial expertise in personal injury law
- Strong knowledge of firm management and business operations
- Ability to handle firm-level strategy and decision-making
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
- Strong business development and networking skills
- Excellent communication and client relationship management
Education
- JD degree required
- Bachelor’s degree in pre-law, political science, or related field required prior to JD
Certifications
- State bar admission required
- Board certification in personal injury or civil trial law recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of personal injury litigation experience, with significant trial success
- Demonstrated history of leadership in a law firm setting
- Proven ability to grow client base and develop new business opportunities