Senior Toxic Tort/Asbestos Litigation Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

A well-established defense-side law firm based in Buffalo is seeking a Senior Asbestos Litigation Attorney to manage a sophisticated portfolio of toxic tort and products liability matters. This role involves representing manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, premises owners, and other corporate defendants in complex asbestos-related litigation throughout New York and potentially other jurisdictions.

You would be handling cases involving:

• Toxic tort litigation (chemical exposure, environmental contamination, occupational exposure claims)
• Asbestos litigation (personal injury and wrongful death claims tied to asbestos exposure)
• Products liability defense (claims alleging defective or dangerous industrial or consumer products)

Key Responsibilities

1. Case Management

• Independently manage a full docket of complex litigation matters
• Develop litigation strategy from pleadings through trial or settlement
• Coordinate with paralegals, junior associates, and support staff

2. Litigation & Courtroom Work

• Draft and argue motions (summary judgment, Daubert/Frye motions, discovery disputes)
• Handle depositions , including plaintiffs, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses
• Participate in court appearances, hearings, and status conferences
• Prepare for and assist in trial work , with potential first-chair or second-chair responsibilities depending on experience

3. Discovery & Technical Case Work

• Oversee extensive written discovery (interrogatories, document requests, subpoenas)
• Review and analyze large volumes of medical, employment, and corporate records
• Work closely with medical, scientific, and industrial hygiene experts

4. Client & Defense Coordination

• Act as primary point of contact for corporate clients and insurers
• Provide regular litigation updates and risk assessments
• Participate in settlement negotiations and mediation sessions

5. Strategic Defense Work

• Develop defenses based on exposure history, causation challenges, and product identification issues
• Work with national counsel teams in coordinated asbestos/tort litigation environments

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 8+ years of litigation experience , ideally with a strong focus on toxic tort, asbestos, or products liability defense
• Strong background in depositions and motion practice
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex litigation files
• Experience working with corporate clients, insurers, or large defense firms
• Strong analytical and written advocacy skills (motions, briefs, case strategy)