Contract Attorney: Employment & Personal Injury (Pre-Litigation)

Blackthorn Law Firm is a Portland-based firm handling employment and personal injury claims. We’re looking for an attorney to manage a portfolio of pre-litigation matters on a remote, independent-contractor basis.

We run the firm differently than most. Intake, document collection, case organization, routine client updates, and first drafts are handled largely through AI and other technology. That leaves our attorneys free to focus on the work that actually requires a lawyer: evaluating claims, setting strategy, and negotiating outcomes.

This is a pre-litigation role. You won’t be making routine court appearances, taking depositions, or trying cases. When a matter needs to be filed, we refer it to litigation counsel.

The Work

• Evaluate liability, damages, and settlement value on employment and personal injury claims.
• Review, revise, and sign off on demand letters and settlement packages before they go out.
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters, opposing counsel, and other representatives.
• Decide when to push, when to settle, and when a matter should be referred for litigation.
• Keep your matters moving and respond promptly to time-sensitive communications.

There’s no billable-hour requirement and no set schedule. What matters is that your cases are handled well and on time.

Compensation

• $7,000 per month.
• 10% of attorney fees the firm actually collects on pre-litigation matters you handle. This is paid on money received only, not on pending settlements or receivables.
• If a matter is referred out or moves into litigation, the percentage doesn’t apply to fees generated after that point.
• After 90 days of continuous engagement, a $2,500 annual stipend toward your professional liability insurance.

Room to Grow

As your caseload and results justify it, that can mean dedicated paralegal or administrative support, a larger book of matters, higher compensation, and management responsibility. For someone who becomes central to the firm, we’re open to discussing an ownership interest down the road.

Requirements

• Active Oregon bar license in good standing (Washington admission preferred).
• Your own professional liability insurance covering your work.
• Strong legal writing and negotiation skills, and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently.
• Comfort working in an AI-assisted practice.
• Experience in employment law, personal injury, insurance claims, or pre-litigation settlement work is preferred.

Is This a Fit?

If you’re looking for a traditional firm structure, a set schedule, and a seniority-based track, this probably isn’t it. If you’re self-directed, comfortable with technology, and want your compensation tied to your results, we would like to hear from you.

To Apply

Send your résumé and a short note about your background and why this kind of practice interests you to private@blackthorn.law.