Civil Litigation Associate

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Civil Litigation Associate with 1-8 years of experience to join our trial-focused boutique. We are seeking a courtroom-comfortable attorney who is eager to gain significant, hands-on deposition and trial experience from day one.

*This is for our Buffalo Office - 5 days in-office required. 

What will you be doing?

• Handle all aspects of civil litigation matters from inception through trial.
• Draft discovery requests, responses, and substantive motion practice.
• Take and defend depositions, often within your first few months.
• Gain immediate courtroom experience with first and second chair trial work.
• Interact directly with clients, insurance carriers, and claims handlers.

Key Requirements

• Admitted and active member of the New York State Bar.
• 1-8 years of post-bar experience in civil litigation or transferable courtroom work (e.g., criminal).
• Strong legal writing skills, with a writing sample required for submission.
• A genuine, demonstrated interest in pursuing trial work.
• Must have a sustainable commute to the Buffalo office.

• Real trial experience from day one: Associates take depositions in their first year and second-chair trials within months. This isn't document review - it's hands-on courtroom work that builds genuine litigation skills.
• Production-based bonus structure with six-figure upside: Bonuses tied to actual fee collections (not just billable hours) can reach six figures for productive associates. 4th year all-in compensation hits $150K-$175K.
• Generational partnership track: 80-year-old firm that rotates ownership without namesakes blocking advancement. Real path to equity partnership in 5-7 years for top performers.
• Mix of defense and plaintiff work: 75% insurance defense plus 25% plaintiff-side contingency cases provides variety and additional bonus opportunities when cases settle or win.
• Multiple NY office locations: Hiring across Syracuse, Fishkill (Hudson Valley), Uniondale (Long Island), and Buffalo with geographic flexibility for candidates with regional ties.