Senior Counsel and Assoiciate Counsel

Senior Counsel & Associate Counsel; Civil Litigation Defense

(Full Time, NYC, NY & Melville, NY)

Position Summary

Perry, Van Etten, Rainis & Kutner, LLP (PVRK) is seeking experienced attorneys for Senior Counsel and Associate Counsel positions in its New York City and Melville offices. This is an opportunity for attorneys who want to do substantive litigation work, take meaningful ownership of their cases, and build their careers in a collaborative environment where their contributions are visible and valued.

At PVRK, attorneys have direct access to experienced partners and trial attorneys, allowing them to receive guidance and mentorship while continuing to develop their independent judgment and litigation skills. Attorneys have the opportunity to work directly with clients, contribute to case strategy, manage significant aspects of their matters, and expand their courtroom and trial experience.

For attorneys looking for a long-term opportunity rather than simply another position, PVRK offers a smaller-firm environment where professional development, meaningful responsibility, strong client relationships, and career progression are part of the practice.

Trial experience is welcomed but not required, and opportunities for increased responsibility are available as attorneys grow within the Firm.

Who We Are

Perry, Van Etten, Rainis & Kutner, LLP is a civil litigation defense firm specializing in trial work, with two fully staffed offices in New York City and Melville, New York, along with a New Jersey satellite office. The Firm aggressively defends personal injury litigation and is supported by experienced trial and appellate counsel. We try dozens of cases each year and actively engage in all phases of Civil Litigation.

PVRK offers the resources and sophistication of an established litigation practice while maintaining the accessibility and collaboration of a smaller firm. Attorneys work closely with partners and experienced litigators and have opportunities to take meaningful ownership of their matters rather than functioning solely as one contributor within a large case team.

The Firm is committed to helping attorneys build successful, long-term careers. PVRK supports professional development through hands-on litigation experience, mentorship, collaboration with experienced attorneys, and opportunities to expand responsibility as attorneys develop their skills. The Firm's approach is designed for attorneys who value substantive work, strong professional relationships, and the opportunity to grow with the practice.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for motivated and experienced litigators who want to be actively involved in their cases and aggressive attorneys looking to enter into the litigation field and expand their professional development. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, thoughtful strategist, and collaborative team member who is comfortable taking ownership of matters while knowing when to seek guidance from experienced colleagues and partners.

Successful candidates will value the opportunity to:

● Take meaningful responsibility for civil litigation matters.

● Work directly with partners and experienced trial and appellate attorneys.

● Receive mentorship and guidance while continuing to develop their litigation skills.

● Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, insurers, insureds, and other stakeholders.

● Expand their experience in discovery, depositions, motion practice, courtroom advocacy, and trial preparation.

● Take on increasing responsibility as their skills and experience develop.

● Build a long-term career within a growing litigation practice.

What We Expect You to Do

You will manage civil litigation defense matters from initial case assessment through resolution and work closely with partners, colleagues, and clients to develop effective case strategies and achieve favorable outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

● Managing civil litigation defense matters from initial assessment through resolution.

● Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery demands, and other legal documents.

● Conducting and managing discovery.

● Taking and defending depositions.

● Analyzing liability, damages, exposure, and litigation risk.

● Preparing case evaluations, status reports, and recommendations.

● Developing case strategies in collaboration with partners and other attorneys.

● Appearing in local, state, and federal courts for conferences, hearings, motions, and trials.

● Participating in trial preparation and trial work for attorneys with relevant trial experience.

● Handling appellate briefing and advocacy when required.

● Communicating regularly with clients regarding case status, strategy, risk, and recommendations.

● Developing and maintaining strong client relationships through responsive, professional, and practical communication.

● Managing competing deadlines and maintaining organized case files.

● Collaborating with partners, attorneys, and support staff to effectively manage matters.

● Maintaining high professional and ethical standards.

● Contributing to a supportive, collaborative, and team-oriented Firm culture.

What You Should Have

● J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar, or eligibility for admission; federal court admission is a plus.

● Prior experience practicing civil litigation, preferably defense litigation involving insurers, insureds, or self-insured entities in New York courts.

● Strong skills in litigation strategy, legal research and writing, motion practice, discovery, depositions, and case analysis.

● Excellent written, verbal, and client communication skills, with the ability to provide practical, business-minded legal guidance.

● Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.

● Ability to take ownership of matters while collaborating effectively with partners, colleagues, and support staff.

● Commitment to professional development, ethical practice, and building strong client and professional relationships.

● For Senior Counsel candidates, demonstrated experience leading and managing complex litigation matters is expected.

● Trial experience is not required; but meaningful trial experience is a valued qualification and may be reflected in compensation.

Salary - $120,000 to $180,00