Founding Litigator

Job Description

Founding Litigator

A different exciting opportunity to shape a litigation Practice from the ground up.

Founding Litigator - New York - $150K + EQUITY

Our Client is looking for an ambitious plaintiff-side litigator to join an early-stage company in a foundational legal role. This is an opportunity for a strong, entrepreneurial attorney who wants more than a traditional associate position: the chance to take ownership of matters from inception through resolution, play a meaningful role in building the practice, and help shape how it operates as the business grows.

With a broad remit, direct ownership, and equity participation, this role is ideal for someone who combines excellent litigation fundamentals with the initiative and judgment to make an impact early.

The Opportunity:

Build from the ground up: Help establish and grow a plaintiff-focused litigation practice within an ambitious, early-stage business.

Own your matters: Drive litigation from start to finish, with meaningful responsibility and room to take the lead.

Make an impact: Work closely with the business and have a direct hand in shaping litigation strategy, processes, and outcomes.

Share in the upside: Receive equity alongside a competitive base salary, with compensation that reflects your experience, responsibilities, and level of ownership.

What they’re Looking For:

2–4 years of litigation experience, with strong litigation fundamentals and the ability to manage matters independently.

Experience in plaintiff-side litigation, with a genuine interest in advocacy and pursuing claims.

A track record of taking initiative, exercising sound judgment, and handling complex work with minimal oversight.

Admission to at least one state bar, excluding Illinois.

Based in New York or willing to relocate. This is an in-person role.

A litigator who wants to accelerate their career, take on responsibility earlier than they might in a traditional firm environment, and help build a practice with a meaningful stake in its success.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

First-chair experience or meaningful responsibility in hearings, depositions, or other litigation proceedings.

Experience leading or coordinating a deposition team.

Training at a highly regarded law school or experience at a leading litigation firm, including BigLaw.

A builder’s mindset: someone who is energized by ambiguity, comfortable wearing multiple hats, and excited to help create something rather than simply step into an established structure.

Base salary: $150,000 Equity: 0.1%–0.5%

Location: New York City, in person

Compensation and equity will reflect the scope of the role, relevant experience, and it scales with how much the successful candidate will own.

If interested, drop me an email to arrange a time do discuss: View email address on ziprecruiter.com