Litigation Associate Attorney

Job Description

**Must relocate to Syracuse, Uniondale, Buffalo, or Fishkill. This is an in office position.**

Note: The compensation range of $100,000 - $220,000 includes both salary and bonuses and is dependent on experience.

About Our Client:

• Our client is a well-established boutique litigation firm with a state-wide practice.

• Known for their strong defense practice in areas such as medical and professional liability, labor law, employment, products liability, and insurance defense.

• Offices in Syracuse (HQ), Uniondale, Buffalo, and Fishkill

• Founded in 1946, boasting over 30 attorneys who defend against personal injury, malpractice, and commercial claims in state and federal courts throughout New York State.

Job Description:

• Immediate hire for a highly motivated civil Trial Attorney with 1-5 years of experience.

• Handle cases from inception through trial preparation, including drafting discovery pleadings and motions, and taking and defending depositions.

• Develop and implement winning strategies for clients.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Must have at least 1 year of insurance defense experience

• 1-5 years of civil litigation experience preferred.

• Strong academic record.

• Proven writing skills and a talent for courtroom advocacy.

• Licensed to practice in New York State.

Why is This a Great Opportunity

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

• Lucrative bonuses

• Join a successful firm known for its winning record and aggressive, innovative approach to litigation.

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Work with a dedicated team that prides itself on achieving the best results for its clients.

Associate Benefit Program

Health Insurance:

• 50% of premiums paid for the first three years, then 75%.

• Annual stipend if health insurance is not required.

Insurance:

• Long-term disability insurance after six months.

• Term life insurance coverage.

Health Club and Cell Phone:

• Annual contribution towards health club dues.

• Monthly cell phone plan allowance.

401K and Profit Sharing:

• Eligible after one year.

• Firm matches a portion of contributions.

• Eligible for firm profit sharing after one year.

Additional Coverage:

• Group dental insurance (not covered by the firm).

Professional Fees:

• Payment for attorney registration.

• Bar Association dues.

• Costs for CLE requirements.

Private Notes to Members

Comments

1. Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Experience:

  • Litigation experience is preferred but not required.

  • Ideal fit: 2 years of experience with some litigation experience, especially in-house at an insurance company.

  • Looking for junior associates to support senior associates.

  • Interest in litigation, mock trial experience in law school, and competitive ex-athletes are beneficial.

  • Open to green candidates as long as they are barred.

• Skills:

  • Strong reading and writing skills are important.

• Location and Bar Admission:

  • Must be admitted to the New York bar.

  • Attorneys with out-of-state bar admission are acceptable if there’s a reason for moving to NY.

• Submission Requirements:

  • Writing sample and resume are required.

  • Academic transcripts are beneficial but not mandatory.

2. Candidate Preferences

• Relocation:

  • Rarely offer relocation assistance, depends on candidate quality.

• JD for Paralegal Roles:

  • Not relevant to this position.

3. Compensation and Benefits

• Salary:

  • New associates: $100k.

  • $100k - $120k plus productivity bonuses each December.

• Bonuses:

  • Articulated by the partner, Edward (Ted).

  • End-of-year bonuses range from $15k-$30k, with potential up to $100k.

4. Work Environment and Location

• Location:

  • Full on-site position with some flexibility (e.g., work from home 1-2 days occasionally).

• Work Hours:

  • Flexible hours; work any time as long as the job is done.

  • No established billable hours requirements, but billables are tracked.

• Office Dynamics:

  • 2 people in the Buffalo office.

  • Professional conduct and freedom in work style.

5. Company and Position Appeal

• Billables and KPIs:

  • No KPIs for billables.

  • Typical successful attorneys work around 200 hours per month.

General Information

• Office Locations:

  • Immediate need in Buffalo; satellite offices in Uniondale, Buffalo, and Fishkill (listed as Williamsville, NY on the website). Syracuse is HQ

• Firm Details:

  • Established in 1946.

  • Priority: Recruiting for Buffalo, but open to hiring at other offices.

  • Role open since end of January, using multiple recruiters.

• Practice Areas:

  • Litigation firm specializing in medical malpractice, labor laws, worker’s comp, and personal injury.

• Current Need:

  • Position open due to high business demand, not layoffs.

  • Looking for a young, ambitious litigation associate

Associate Benefit Program

• Health Insurance:

  • 50% of premiums paid for the first three years.

  • 75% of premiums paid thereafter.

  • $1,000 annual stipend if health insurance is not required.

• Insurance:

  • Long-term disability insurance (starts after six months).

  • $25,000 term life insurance coverage.

• Health Club and Cell Phone:

  • $400 per year towards health club dues.

  • $50 per month for cell phone plan.

• 401K and Profit Sharing:

  • Eligible after one year.

  • Firm matches 50% of every dollar contributed, up to $6,500 annually.

  • Eligible for firm profit sharing after one year.

• Additional Coverage:

  • Group dental insurance coverage (not paid for by the firm).

• Professional Fees:

  • Payment for attorney registration.

  • Erie County and New York State Bar Association dues.

  • Costs for completing all CLE requirements.