Associate Attorney - Litigation

Associate Attorney – Litigation

Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC (BFKP) is a New York City-based boutique law firm focused on real estate transactions, real estate litigation, and complex commercial matters. BFKP provides big law sophistication to real estate clients who want boutique service. We pride ourselves on combining deep legal expertise with practical judgment, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to long-term client relationships.

BFKP provides full service legal support to real estate owners, occupiers and professionals, individuals and businesses by helping them build and protect their assets. Our transactional practice handles acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, and ongoing general counsel support, while our litigation team represents clients in high-stakes real estate and commercial disputes. Across all practice areas, we focus on strategic thinking, clear communication, and solutions that protect our clients' interests while supporting their broader business goals.

At BFKP, you'll work closely with partners and clients from day one in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where ownership and accountability are encouraged. We are intentionally lean, growth-oriented, and hands-on – attorneys and paralegals are trusted to manage meaningful responsibilities rather than operate in rigid silos. Team members build long-term careers here because they gain real experience, develop strong client relationships, and work alongside colleagues who value quality, integrity, and professionalism without the bureaucracy of a large firm.

Job Description

The Associate Attorney – Real Estate Litigation role at BFKP is designed for attorneys who want meaningful responsibility, hands-on experience, and true ownership over their cases. Our litigation associates are not siloed into narrow tasks—they manage matters from inception through resolution, develop case strategy, interact directly with clients, and represent the firm in court. This role is ideal for a litigation attorney who wants to sharpen their judgment, grow as a strategic advisor, and build a long-term career at a firm that values accountability, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial thinking.

What You'll Do

• Manage a defined docket of real estate and commercial litigation matters from inception through resolution, serving as the day-to-day point person on assigned cases.
• Develop and execute litigation strategy in close collaboration with partners and clients.
• Draft and review pleadings, complaints, motions, discovery demands and responses, and demand letters.
• Prepare for, take, and defend depositions; prepare clients and witnesses for testimony.
• Argue motions and participate in court appearances, conferences, and settlement negotiations.
• Manage discovery and deadlines proactively to keep matters moving forward efficiently.
• Communicate directly with clients and opposing counsel, building strong, trusted professional relationships.
• Collaborate with paralegals and internal team members while maintaining accountability for quality, deadlines, and case outcomes.

Who We're Looking For

Individuals who share our core values

• Tenacious - Grit & perseverance when the going gets tough
• Pushing Boundaries - Creative approach to problem-solving
• Character Counts - Collaborative and collegial people, who take responsibility and maintain accountability & high emotional intelligence
• Big Law Approach - Intellectually curious, proactive, high standards

and also

• Bring relevant experience as a junior associate or associate attorney in a law firm, with specific experience supporting commercial real estate litigation.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and appetite for learning, seeking a smaller, up-and-coming firm where they can have real impact and grow their skills.
• Value a high-caliber, collegial culture that is collaborative, responsive, and relationship-driven with colleagues and clients.
• Embrace technology (including legal tech and AI tools) and is eager to learn and adopt new systems that enhance efficiency and quality of work.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, taking pride in accuracy, professionalism, and supporting attorneys and clients effectively.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active license (or eligibility for licensure) to practice law in New York.
• Approximately 4–7 years of litigation experience within a law firm environment
• Substantive experience in real estate litigation and/or commercial/business litigation
• Comfort using litigation technology and court filing systems (e.g., NYSCEF; PACER experience is a plus); experience with e-discovery platforms a plus.
• Strong legal judgment, commitment to integrity and excellence, collaborative spirit in partnering with colleagues and clients, and genuine enthusiasm for the firm's mission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong advocacy skills and ability to think strategically about litigation.
• Demonstrated experience drafting motions and pleadings, managing discovery, and handling depositions

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation – Competitive annual salary in the range of $175k - $250k commensurate with experience, practice focus, and credentials
• Health & Wellness Benefits – Substantial employer contributions toward comprehensive insurance, consistent with NYC legal market standards
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Paid Time Off – Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation annually, 40 hours of paid sick leave, plus standard paid firm holidays
• Professional Development & Mentorship – Direct mentorship from firm partners, and meaningful responsibility on sophisticated commercial real estate matters – The firm also pays for New York City Bar membership - with free access to the NYC Bar's complete CLE Passport, with thousands of on-demand CLEs
• Career Advancement – Annual performance and compensation reviews with opportunities for merit-based raises, expanded responsibility, and long-term advancement within a collaborative, high-performing New York real estate practice

Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable employment laws and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic.