Trial Attorney: Defense Litigation (First Chair)

Job Description

Job Description

Pay: $130,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Take true ownership of sophisticated civil defense matters from inception through trial and appeal
• Step into a role built for an attorney who genuinely enjoys being in the courtroom
• Serve as first-chair trial counsel and directly shape litigation and trial strategy
• Handle a diverse caseload involving insurance defense, general liability, professional liability, product liability, construction litigation, and other complex defense matters
• Work with experienced attorneys in a collaborative, modern environment that values autonomy and strong legal judgment
• Excellent opportunity for an accomplished litigator who wants meaningful responsibility without needing to bring a portable book of business
• Strong benefits, professional development, and long-term growth opportunities

Location

Greater New York City area. Hybrid flexibility with regular in-person court appearances, hearings, depositions, trials, and other case-related responsibilities throughout the NYC and Downstate New York market.

Note

Candidates must be admitted to the New York Bar and have actual first-chair civil trial experience. This is not a trial-preparation-only role. We are looking for an attorney who has personally taken the lead in the courtroom.

About Us

Confidential Employer. We are a growing civil defense law firm representing sophisticated clients in complex litigation matters. Our team combines strong trial advocacy with a collaborative, practical, and technology-forward approach to client service. We give experienced attorneys the autonomy to lead cases while providing the resources and support needed to succeed.

Job Description

• Manage civil defense litigation matters from inception through resolution, trial, and appeal
• Serve as first-chair counsel in jury and bench trials
• Develop and execute case strategy in close coordination with clients and internal teams
• Conduct depositions, witness examinations, investigations, and discovery
• Draft and argue dispositive motions, pleadings, trial briefs, and other substantive filings
• Appear at court conferences, hearings, oral arguments, and trials
• Evaluate exposure, develop defense strategies, and negotiate settlements when appropriate
• Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and strategic counsel
• Collaborate with partners, associates, paralegals, and support professionals on complex matters

Qualifications

• Active New York State Bar admission
• 3+ years of civil defense litigation experience
• 5+ years of litigation experience strongly preferred
• First-chair civil trial experience required
• Experience with insurance defense, general liability, professional liability, product liability, construction litigation, or similar defense matters
• Strong deposition, motion practice, legal writing, and courtroom skills
• Ability to independently manage matters and a substantial caseload

Why You Will Love Working Here

• Real courtroom and trial responsibility
• Autonomy over meaningful, sophisticated cases
• Collaborative team without unnecessary layers
• Diverse litigation that keeps the work interesting
• Flexible work environment
• Strong professional development and advancement opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits and retirement offerings.

JPC-1751

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance