Associate Attorney - Asbestos Defense

OpenKrill; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Remote work flexibility

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

OpenKrill, on behalf of a partner firm, seeks an Associate Attorney - Asbestos Defense in the United States. The role supports national litigation efforts, collaborating with trial attorneys across jurisdictions.

Remote-friendly with flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States or an office. Ideal for a motivated attorney pursuing growth in complex defense litigation.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active bar license in at least one US jurisdiction; CA/IL/NY/MA preferred.

Responsibilities

• National and local litigation support for asbestos defense.
• Case assessment and strategy development for complex claims.
• Draft pleadings, discovery requests/responses, motions and briefs.
• Coordinate discovery, manage evidence and expert strategies.
• Prepare for depositions, attend hearings, and assist in mediation.
• Assist in trial preparation and witness readiness.
• Communicate with clients, insurers, co-counsel, and experts.
• Coordinate across jurisdictions to ensure consistent strategy.

Skills

Legal research

Persuasive writing

Oral advocacy

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Attorney - Asbestos Defense based in the United States.

Join a nationally recognized litigation practice and contribute to the defense of complex asbestos and toxic tort claims on behalf of prominent corporate clients and insurers. In this role, you will collaborate with experienced trial attorneys and legal professionals across multiple jurisdictions to support national litigation strategy and local counsel matters. You will gain hands-on experience throughout the litigation lifecycle, from case assessment and discovery to depositions, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation. This opportunity combines meaningful responsibility, sophisticated legal work, and exposure to high-profile national cases. With the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the United States or from an office location, you can develop your litigation expertise within a collaborative, trial-focused environment. The position is ideal for a motivated attorney seeking professional growth, mentorship, and a long-term career in complex litigation defense.

Accountabilities

• National and local litigation support: Assist with day-to-day local counsel responsibilities while contributing to national coordinating counsel activities for high-profile clients involved in asbestos litigation.
• Case assessment and litigation strategy: Evaluate claims, analyze exposure evidence and causation issues, assess potential liability, and help develop effective defense strategies and case resolution plans.
• Legal research and drafting: Conduct comprehensive legal research and prepare pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Discovery management: Coordinate discovery activities, review relevant evidence, manage case-related information, and support the development of expert strategies and testimony.
• Depositions and hearings: Prepare for and conduct depositions of fact and expert witnesses, attend court conferences and hearings, and participate in mediations and settlement negotiations.
• Trial preparation: Work closely with national and local counsel to develop trial strategies, prepare witnesses, assess evidentiary issues, and ensure cases are ready for trial.
• Client and stakeholder communication: Maintain effective communication with clients, insurers, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and other relevant stakeholders to support efficient case management and successful litigation outcomes.
• Multi-jurisdictional coordination: Collaborate with legal teams across different jurisdictions, ensuring consistency in case strategy, timely execution of litigation tasks, and alignment with broader client objectives.
• Case management and organization: Manage multiple matters and competing deadlines while maintaining accurate documentation, meeting procedural requirements, and delivering high-quality legal work.
• Professional development: Contribute to a collaborative litigation practice, learn from experienced trial attorneys, and progressively assume greater responsibility in case strategy, advocacy, and client service.

Requirements

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar admission: Active license to practice law and good standing in at least one US jurisdiction. Admission in California, Illinois, New York, or Massachusetts is particularly preferred. Admission in additional jurisdictions is an advantage.
• Relevant experience: At least two years of professional legal experience in asbestos defense, toxic tort defense, or related complex litigation. Experience with silica, benzene, or other toxic exposure claims is also relevant.
• Litigation expertise: Demonstrated experience with legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, managing discovery, preparing for and conducting depositions, and contributing to litigation strategy.
• Analytical and advocacy skills: Strong legal reasoning, written communication, oral advocacy, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to analyze complex factual and legal issues and develop effective defense arguments.
• Case management: Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines, manage multiple cases simultaneously, and coordinate work across jurisdictions.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, insurers, opposing counsel, co-counsel, experts, and internal legal teams.
• Client-focused approach: A professional, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset, with a commitment to delivering high-quality legal services and managing litigation efficiently.
• Adaptability and independence: The ability to work autonomously in a remote environment while remaining responsive, collaborative, and accountable to a distributed legal team.
• National litigation readiness: Willingness to contribute to coordinated national defense strategies, support trial preparation, and work across multiple jurisdictions as required.
• Professional ambition: A genuine interest in developing advanced litigation skills, learning from experienced trial attorneys, and building a long-term career in complex defense litigation.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: Salary commensurate with experience, with additional performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Remote work flexibility: Work remotely from anywhere in the United States, subject to applicable bar admission requirements, or choose to work from one of the firm's office locations.
• Retirement savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match.
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Health spending options: Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Paid leave: Paid time off and parental leave to support work-life balance and personal commitments.
• Financial protection: Life insurance and disability insurance benefits.
• Wellbeing support: Employee assistance resources and wellness programs.
• Continuing legal education: Support for continuing legal education (CLE) and ongoing professional development.
• Mentorship and career advancement: Opportunities to learn from seasoned litigators, receive mentorship, strengthen trial skills, and pursue long-term career growth.
• Business development opportunities: Access to business development support and opportunities to earn origination and business development credit.
• High-impact legal work: Meaningful involvement in sophisticated, high-profile national litigation, with opportunities to contribute to case strategy, client representation, and trial preparation.