Commercial Litigation Associate -- Construction Litigation (Riker Danzig)

Job Description

Job Description

Commercial Litigation Associate — Construction Litigation Focus

Firm: Riker Danzig
Location: Madison, NJ (hybrid — 3 days in-office)
Experience: 4–8 years post-JD
Compensation: $154,000 – $185,000

About the Role

Riker Danzig is seeking a Commercial Litigation Associate with 4–8 years of experience and a concentration in construction litigation to join a well-established, team-oriented firm recognized as a Law360 "Powerhouse Law Firm" in New Jersey.

You'll join a 20–25 person commercial litigation group known for its collaborative culture, hybrid flexibility, and a fast, streamlined interview process. The firm is hiring one associate for this role.

What You'll Be Doing

• Handle construction litigation matters independently while collaborating with partners and associates
• Manage a caseload with approximately 1,900 billable hours annually
• Conduct legal research, draft briefs, and develop case strategy for construction disputes
• Work closely with 8–9 partners across the commercial litigation practice
• Participate in a hybrid work environment with 3 days in-office at the firm's Madison, NJ campus

Key Requirements

• 4–8 years of post-JD experience with direct construction litigation concentration — not tangential exposure or purely general commercial litigation
• Admitted to the NJ Bar, or able to waive in within 3–6 months
• Stable tenure history — no pattern of job changes every 1–2 years
• Able to commute to the Madison, NJ office 3 days per week
• JD from an accredited law school with a strong GPA (a low GPA is a disqualifier; transcript required upon submission )

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior judicial clerkship, especially with the NJ Superior Court
• NY or PA bar admission
• A mixed background combining construction litigation with product liability or insurance defense is welcome

Compensation & Logistics

• Salary: $154,000 – $185,000
• Equity: N/A
• Hybrid policy: 3 days/week in-office, Madison, NJ
• Billable target: ~1,900 hours annually
• Hiring count: 1
• Visa sponsorship: Not available

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. The firm is open to candidates who need to waive into the New Jersey bar and can work virtually on a short-term basis during the transition period.

Why Join

• Real hybrid flexibility — 3 days/week in-office, with some attorneys coming in less depending on workload
• One-and-done interview process — all interviews happen in a single day, with no weeks-long rounds
• On-site amenities — 24-hour gym with locker rooms and showers, plus free underground parking at the Madison campus
• Professional development covered — the firm pays NY and NJ bar dues, CLE credits through PLI, and runs 2+ in-house programs per month
• A 140-year-old firm recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, and named a Law360 "Powerhouse Law Firm" in NJ multiple times

Not a Fit If

• Background is purely employment law or an unrelated practice with no construction litigation
• History shows a pattern of multiple moves every 1–2 years
• Unwilling or unable to commute to Madison, NJ three days per week

Note: Key screening criteria — Madison, NJ on-site availability, construction litigation experience, salary expectations, and NJ bar admission/waive-in eligibility — will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates.