Complex Litigation Associate

About the Role:

Most litigation associates spend years managing discovery and drafting briefs without ever learning how exceptional trial lawyers prepare cases for trial. This role is different. 

In this role at Chaffin Luhana, you will work directly with experienced trial lawyers on high-stakes plaintiff litigation, supporting experienced trial lawyers in developing the evidence, witness testimony, expert strategy, and trial presentation that drive successful outcomes.. If your goal is to become an outstanding trial lawyer—not simply a litigator—this position offers a rare opportunity for meaningful mentorship, hands-on experience, and increasing responsibility. 

You will help prepare complex cases for trial from the earliest stages of investigation through verdict. That means interviewing witnesses, uncovering critical facts, mastering complex documentary evidence, working closely with expert witnesses, preparing depositions, developing persuasive legal arguments, and helping shape compelling trial presentations. 

Our practice includes complex plaintiff litigation involving product liability, sexual assault, catastrophic injury, mass torts, and other high-impact civil matters. We are looking for someone who is excited to become an indispensable member of a trial team, taking on increasing responsibility as their judgment, skills, and experience develop. 

You will work closely with Eric Chaffin and other experienced trial lawyers, learning how successful plaintiff cases are investigated, developed, and prepared for trial. Through direct mentoring and hands-on experience, you will develop the skills necessary to become an exceptional litigation attorney with increasing exposure to trial work overtime. You'll attend depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials, with opportunities to assume greater responsibility as your skills develop. 

This position is ideally based in our Stamford, Connecticut office because we believe trial skills are best developed through close collaboration and mentorship. We are, however, open to exceptional remote candidates who are willing to travel regularly for depositions, witness preparation, trial preparation, and trials. 

Responsibilities 

As a key member of the trial team, you will help build and prepare complex cases from initial investigation through trial. 

Case Development 

• Conduct witness interviews and factual investigations to develop compelling liability and damages evidence. 

• Analyze large volumes of documentary evidence, discovery, and testimony to identify the facts, themes, and strategy that will shape successful cases. 

• Develop case chronologies, factual analyses, and strategic recommendations for trial teams. 

• Work collaboratively with experienced trial lawyers to develop persuasive case themes and trial strategy. 

Discovery & Motion Practice 

• Draft and respond to written discovery, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission. 

• Conduct sophisticated legal research and draft persuasive motions, briefs, evidentiary motions, and trial memoranda. 

• Prepare deposition outlines, defend and take depositions, and analyze testimony for strategic use throughout the litigation. 

• Organize and designate deposition testimony for trial presentation. 

Trial Preparation 

• Prepare clients, fact witnesses, corporate representatives, and expert witnesses for depositions and trial testimony. 

• Assist in identifying, retaining, and preparing expert witnesses, including helping develop expert opinions, supporting materials, and reports. 

• Prepare trial exhibits, witness examinations, demonstrative evidence, exhibit lists, and other trial materials. 

• Support trial teams during hearings, focus groups, mediations, and trials, taking on increasing responsibility as your experience and performance warrant. 

What We're Looking For  

The ideal candidate has at least 4–6 years of complex civil litigation experience and is motivated by the opportunity to become an exceptional trial lawyer. 

We're looking for someone who: 

• Has strong experience in complex civil litigation. 

• Writes clearly, persuasively, and with meticulous attention to detail. 

• Enjoys mastering complex factual records and finding the details that change the outcome of a case. 

• Can independently analyze large amounts of evidence while exercising sound judgment. 

• Takes ownership of projects while collaborating effectively with colleagues. 

• Is intellectually curious, highly organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. 

• Is coachable, humble, and committed to continuous improvement. 

• Wants to develop into an exceptional trial lawyer through mentorship, preparation, and hands-on experience. 

• Believes exceptional trial lawyers continually grow through self-awareness, honest feedback, and a commitment to personal and professional development. 

• Shares our commitment to Doing Good by Doing Right® and representing plaintiffs with excellence, integrity, and compassion. 

In Your First Year, You'll 

• Become a trusted member of multiple litigation and trial teams.  

• Learn how experienced trial lawyers investigate, develop, and prepare complex plaintiff cases.  

• Take ownership of meaningful portions of discovery, motion practice, witness preparation, and case development.  

• Work closely with expert witnesses and help prepare clients and witnesses for deposition and trial.  

• Observe and support hearings, mediations, focus groups, and trials while developing the judgment and skills that lead to greater responsibility over time. 

Why Chaffin Luhana? 

Great trial lawyers aren't developed by sitting behind a desk—they're developed through meaningful responsibility, close mentorship, and hands-on experience. 

At Chaffin Luhana, you'll work alongside nationally recognized plaintiff trial lawyers on significant, high-impact cases while receiving direct mentoring and opportunities to grow. We invest in our people because we believe that exceptional advocacy comes from continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. 

If you're looking for more than another litigation position—if you're looking for a career where you'll be challenged, mentored, and given the opportunity to become an outstanding trial lawyer—we'd welcome the opportunity to meet you. 

Benefits: 

Financial Benefits 

• 401k Contributions: Discretionary match contribution of 5%, with the Firm matching 100% of the first 3% of the employee’s contribution and 50% of the employee’s next 2% of contribution of the employee’s annual compensation.  

• Charitable Donations: The Chaffin Luhana Foundation makes an annual donation to the charity of your choice.  

Medical Benefits 

• Healthcare Insurance: $460 per employee or family towards their monthly health premium. If your premium is less than $460, you will be responsible for only the first $1.  

• Dental Insurance: Full coverage towards an employee’s dental premium, less than $1 monthly. You will only pay $12 a year for your dental plan.  

• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): Contribute up to $500 pre-tax towards your annual medical deductible.  

• Family / Dependent Care: You can contribute up to $5,000 pre-tax Dependent Care (DCR).  

• Flex Spending Account: Contribute up to $1,000 pre-tax towards your medical Flex Spending Account (FSA).  

Commuter Benefits 

• Tax-free Transit Commute: You can contribute up to $280 per month pre-tax towards your transit ticket (TRN).  

• Discounted Parking: You can contribute up to $280 per month pre-tax towards a pay-for-parking plan (PKG).  

Time Off to Recharge and Renew 

• Time Off: 15 paid time off (PTO) days / 20 PTO days after 3 years with the Firm.  

• Sick Days: 3 sick days per year.  

• Celebrate the Holidays: Office closed for 10 public holidays.  

• Weeklong Holiday Break: Office usually closed for at least a week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.  

Culture and Development of Team 

• Casual Dress: Enjoy our business casual dress code.  

• Enhance Your Skills: Up to $500 annually for continued education/training.  

• Learn How You’re Wired: Our employees take a Kolbe Assessment so they can learn their instinctive method of operation. Identify the ways that you and the team you work with are the most productive.  

• Time Management: Time Management Luncheons with senior management team to take your projects, team, and organization to the next level.  

• Free Workouts: Free access to GreenTree SportsPlex for Pittsburgh office.  

Recognition at the Firm 

• Value Team Members: Bonusly points for a peer-to-peer recognition system. You give and receive points that you can redeem for gift cards, trips, dinners, etc.  

• Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Free team lunches and happy hours.  

• Annual Bonus: Year-end discretionary bonus.  

• Annual Firm Outing: Yearly firm outing for all of our employees to meet up and have fun. 

Note:  This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions an employee in this position may be asked to perform.  Duties, responsibilities, and requirements can be added, changed, or reduced by management to meet the business needs of the company. 

Chaffin Luhana LLP does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities. 

Location:  Stamford, CT