Description

Hudson Cook, LLP, a financial services law firm with a national practice, seeks a Senior Associate with at least 6 to 8 years of commercial or consumer litigation experience to join its consumer litigation and government investigations practice in Washington, DC or Ooltewah, TN.  This practice represents businesses facing consumer litigation and government investigations arising primarily under consumer protection laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Financial Protection Act, FTC Holder Rule, and other federal and state consumer protection and privacy laws.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The ideal candidate can quickly integrate into a busy and growing practice and will be capable of managing the day-to-day aspects of active cases.  They have solid senior associate-level litigation experience in federal court, with consumer arbitration experience a plus.  They will take the lead on smaller matters with minimal supervision, including cases that primarily involve negotiating a settlement and managing pro se litigants in certain cases, but might require some initial pleadings and discovery work.  They will have experience independently handling Rule 26(f) conferences and initial case management conferences/scheduling conferences/arbitration preliminary hearings.  They will work with partners to set case strategy and then drive cases forward independently.  They must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, attention to detail, and a desire to develop their practice.

Responsibilities generally fall into the following categories:  

(1) Research and Writing.  The role involves substantive legal research and writing relating to consumer financial services, including drafting pleadings, discovery and dispositive motions, and other filings that are client and court ready.

(2) Discovery.  The position requires drafting affirmative discovery requests, reviewing documents, preparing documents for production and other discovery responses, analyzing opposing and third party discovery, and managing all other aspects of the discovery process.  A successful candidate will have some experience with depositions, ideally having taken or defended a deposition and assisted in preparing a witness for deposition.

(3) Organization.  The successful candidate will be responsible for much of the day-to-day management of actively litigated cases and active government investigations.  This includes planning and managing deadlines and assisting with the supervision of support staff, junior associates, and paralegals.  It includes management of case files and providing advice to the case team on compliance with local court and judge rules.  

Applicants must be admitted in DC or Tennessee (depending on primary office location) or eligible for admission by waiver.  Admission in California, Florida, Texas, or Georgia is a plus.  Applicants who do not have at least 6 years of litigation or government enforcement experience as a licensed attorney will not be considered.  Knowledge of or experience in the consumer financial services industry is welcome but not required.  In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in business development and marketing.  

Requirements

ABOUT THE FIRM

Established in 1997, Hudson Cook, LLP focuses on state and federal consumer and commercial financial services, banking and privacy compliance, regulation, enforcement and supervision, with 48 lawyers practicing in 12 offices throughout the United States.  Our team includes former officials with federal regulatory agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC); former in-house lawyers from banks, sales finance companies, background screening companies, and other financial services institutions; and attorneys with lengthy experience representing many financial services companies as outside counsel.

Hudson Cook litigators represent clients in individual and class action litigation and arbitration in federal and state courts and arbitration organizations throughout the United States. Our government investigations and enforcement lawyers help clients respond to and resolve investigations and enforcement actions with federal regulators, such as the CFPB, FTC, U.S. Department of Justice, state regulators, and state Attorneys General.  

ASSOCIATE LIFE & BENEFITS

Since its inception, Hudson Cook has fostered a collegial and inclusive workplace environment that values diversity, excellence in client service, work-life balance, and entrepreneurship.  Associates who wish to develop a practice and become equity partners have a real opportunity of achieving that goal at Hudson Cook.  The Firm does not have pre-established limits or ratios on the number of equity partners versus associates.  This structure is consistent with our clients’ expectations that seasoned practitioners bear primary responsibility for their legal matters, which are often sensitive and complex. To fulfill that expectation, we aim to hire interested and dedicated associates and to develop talent internally through meaningful training, mentorship, and other educational programs.  Associates have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in business development and marketing.  The Firm is proud of its long track record of promoting associates to equity partner. More than one-third of the current equity partners were associates at the Firm.  

Unlike many firms, we do not operate under a traditional high-billable hour model.  Our model emphasizes meaningful, high-quality work over volume and provides opportunities for law practice and business development.  In practice, associates who are consistently engaged (often around 1,400+ billable hours annually) are well-positioned for success.

Salaries are competitive, and associates are eligible for discretionary year-end bonuses, dependent upon both tangible contributions to client work and non-billable contributions, such as assisting partners with client and business development activities, being a valued team member, and the performance of the Firm overall.  The Firm expects new associates to work from the Firm’s offices at the outset, but does not require associates to work exclusively from the office. Associates may take advantage of the Firm's hybrid work schedule, balancing in-office and remote work.

Other benefits include:

•         Comprehensive Health Insurance 
•         Firm-Paid Group Insurance (Life and AD&D; Short and Long-Term Disability)
•         401(k) with firm-paid 3% match
•         Paid Holidays
•         Vacation and Sick Leave
•         Parental Leave
•         Employee Assistance Program

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Hudson Cook, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

If you are interested in this position and have the required qualifications, please submit your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples via online application in the Firm's Career Portal.  Writing samples must have been drafted independently by the applicant with minimal input from other lawyers, with a preference for litigation briefs. 

General inquiries may be directed to Amy Ryan, Human Resources Director, by fax at (410) 684-2001 or by email at careers@hudco.com.

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