Associate Attorney

About Vessell Bridges Murphy (VBM) Law :

Founded by Jared Vessell, Ross Bridges, and Matthew Murphy, VBM has been dedicated to representing employers and insurance companies throughout all of Missouri and Illinois from our three office locations in Columbia, Springfield and St.

Louis, Missouri. Our attorneys have a reputation for efficiencies, professionalism and respect for their opponents and each other.

VBM strives to utilize modern technology and source new ideas from all team members, from the new hire to the senior partner.

This approach ensures that everyone can maximize their productivity during work hours, enabling more time to live life to its fullest outside of work.

The individuals at VBM Law are a diverse group, hailing from various backgrounds, yet sharing a deep commitment to their community and a strong sense of purpose.

Some have proudly served in the military, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Others have embarked on unconventional career paths, illustrating their ability to adapt and innovate.

They collectively possess extensive legal expertise, ranging from workers' compensation to civil rights, and share a passion for advocating for their clients.

In addition to their legal work, many are actively involved in charitable organizations, showcasing their commitment to giving back.

Together, they represent a team of professionals who go beyond traditional legal roles. VBM is not your common practice

About Brooke Smith, Managing Partner, Springfield :

Brooke's passion to advance VBM Law as a managing partner is deeply rooted in her commitment to fostering a thriving workplace and achieving excellence in the field.

Her dedication to the firm's growth and progress is driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a keen focus on developing talented individuals, and a strong sense of responsibility towards the community she serves.

She believes in nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring VBM Law remains at the forefront of legal expertise and client service.

Brooke grew up in the small town of Carthage, Missouri. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas in 2004, where she graduated with a certificate in International Trade and Finance.

She has represented the interests of employers and insurance companies in Missouri Workers' Compensation matters in the Southwest Missouri area for almost her entire career.

Brooke is active in the Springfield community. Since 2005 she has served as a board member for the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

She has also been active in the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as a Red Carpet Committee Member. In her free time, Brooke loves photography, being outdoors and spending time with her family.

Associate Attorney Overview :

In this pivotal role, we are seeking accomplished associates or junior partner-level attorneys who bring substantial expertise to VBM.

Following an initial orientation period, you will take on a leadership role, overseeing your own staff as you become the team leader in defending a diverse array of clients in Missouri Workers' Compensation cases.

Your responsibilities will include a wide range of high-impact tasks, such as taking depositions, managing your own caseload and staff, conducting trials and appeals independently, and maintaining a profound understanding of evolving legal landscapes.

Your instrumental role extends to drafting concise research articles for the firm's client newsletter, delivering educational presentations to clients, and actively participating in other client-oriented activities.

These responsibilities provide just a glimpse of the multifaceted duties inherent in this role, where you will collaborate with Brooke and her team, contributing significantly to the office's expansion and success.

Skills and Abilities :

• Compelling Communication : Proficient in crafting persuasive arguments, both in writing and speech.
• Research Savvy : Skilled at uncovering critical legal insights and evidence.
• Logical Problem-Solving : Exceptional at dissecting complex legal issues with keen analytical thinking.
• People Person : Effective at building strong relationships and rapport with clients and colleagues.
• Master Multitasker : Capable of managing multiple cases and deadlines efficiently.
• Strong Negotiator : Skilled in achieving favorable settlements through effective negotiation.
• Attention to Detail : Diligent in spotting even the smallest particulars.
• Organized : Adept at orchestrating tasks for maximum productivity.
• Strong Leadership Drive : Thrives in a collaborative environment, inspiring support staff and paralegals to meet deadlines and expectations.

Salary and Benefits :

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience ranging from $85,000 to $122,500.
• Performance-based compensation providing the potential to earn up to an additional $20,000+ per year, on top of base salary
• Recruitment bonus for recruiting new staff or attorneys to VBM
• Paid vacation / sick time
• Retirement with employer match
• Health insurance with full employer paid premium
• Vision, dental and other ancillary benefits offered
• Mentorship offered by local Partner Attorney
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• Travel expense and meal reimbursement
• Opportunity for advancement

Education and Qualifications :

• Law degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Missouri.
• Preference given to attorneys with prior experience in Workers' Compensation law.

If you are an attorney seeking a change, we encourage you to apply today.

At Vessell Bridges Murphy, we strive to create an inclusive environment where employees want to work and where they can flourish professionally.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender identity and expression, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Flexible work from home options available.

Compensation : $85,000.00 - $142,500.00 per year

VBM Not your common practice Founded by Jared Vessell, Ross Bridges, and Matthew Murphy, VBM has been dedicated to representing employers and insurance companies throughout all of Missouri and Illinois from our three office locations in Columbia, Springfield and St.

Louis, Missouri. Our attorneys have a reputation for efficiencies, professionalism and respect for their opponents and each other.

VBM strives to utilize modern technology and source new ideas from all team members, from the new hire to the senior partner.

This approach ensures that everyone can maximize their productivity during work hours, enabling more time to live life to its fullest outside of work.

The individuals at VBM Law are a diverse group, hailing from various backgrounds, yet sharing a deep commitment to their community and a strong sense of purpose.

Some have proudly served in the military, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Others have embarked on unconventional career paths, illustrating their ability to adapt and innovate.

They collectively possess extensive legal expertise, ranging from workers' compensation to civil rights, and share a passion for advocating for their clients.

In addition to their legal work, many are actively involved in charitable organizations, showcasing their commitment to giving back.

Together, they represent a team of professionals who go beyond traditional legal roles.

What Makes the VBM Different?

• Human Focused : We prioritize people, valuing our team members and clients as individuals, not just data points.
• Efficiencies Through Technology : We leverage technology and innovative thinking to create efficiencies in our processes, allowing our teams to manage more cases without sacrificing quality.
• Highly Trained Support Staff : Our support staff is well-trained and accountable, speaking and thinking like our partner attorneys to maintain a close client-attorney relationship.
• Direct Partner Involvement : Unlike competitors who delegate extensive work to young associates, we emphasize direct partner involvement.
• Exceptional Customer Service : We believe that customer service is our most important service, striving to deliver the best client experience.

The VBM Culture :

• Community Involvement :
• Welcome Home : Empowering homeless and at-risk Veterans to reintegrate into society.
• The John 3 : 16 Refuge : Providing a safe haven for men in addiction recovery.
• JDRF : Leading the fight against type 1 diabetes through research and advocacy.
• True North : Empowering and advocating for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
• Job Point : Linking individuals and jobs while supporting workforce development.
• Kids' Chance : Giving the children of injured workers a chance at a better future.
• Harmony House : Offering shelter and support to domestic violence survivors.
• STL Cure Sarcoma : Funding Sarcoma research and treatment options.
• Coyote Hill : Supporting foster parents in providing loving homes for children in need.
• Work-Life Balance : Prioritizing a healthy work-life balance for all team members.
• Team Collaboration : Encouraging collaboration and teamwork among staff members.
• Flexibility : Team members empowered to complete tasks efficiently.
• Innovation : Rewarding innovative and creative thinking to improve processes.
• Transparency : Increasing transparency and communication across all locations.

VBM's Core Values

• Reputation for Integrity
• Efficient Business Operations
• Respectful Working Relationships
• Work / Life Balance

What VBM Seeks In New Team Members :

• Fits our culture : We're looking for team players who dance to the same beat of our vibrant culture.
• Exceeds client expectations : We strive to exceed client expectations, in every case..
• Desires growth within VBM Law : We want team members who see their future intertwined with ours.
• Takes initiative : Be the spark that ignites positive change-take the lead!
• Hungry for learning : Join our knowledge-hungry team, always seeking the next big idea.
• Prioritizes efficiency : If you hate wasting time on outdated methods, join us to streamline success.
• Embraces innovation : If you have great ideas, help us pioneer the future of the legal industry.
• Spirit of giving : You have an ongoing internal desire to always give back to your community.

If you're a successful attorney seeking a change of pace, a legal assistant in search of a new career home, or a paralegal yearning for a deeper sense of purpose in your work, then apply today. We can't wait to meet you!

At Vessell Bridges Murphy, we strive to create an inclusive environment where employees want to work and where they can flourish professionally.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender identity and expression, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.