Associate Attorney (Civil Litigation)

Friedman Schuman Layser; Fort Washington (Montgomery County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Friedman Schuman Layser, P.C. seeks an Associate Attorney in civil litigation with 1–3 years of experience to handle high‑value matters including medical malpractice and product liability.

You will work closely with trial attorneys and clients in a fast-paced, team-focused environment from Fort Washington, PA. This role offers meaningful responsibility from day one, opportunities to chair phases of trials and depositions, and a path to build a practice through mentorship and firm resources.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active Pennsylvania Bar admission required; New Jersey admission or eligibility preferred.
• 1–3 years of litigation experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical and advocacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of complex litigation under mentorship by experienced trial attorneys.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, and other substantive legal filings.
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies for complex litigation matters.
• Conduct and defend depositions; prepare witnesses and develop case strategy.
• Work directly with clients and experts to develop compelling case themes.
• Lead mediations and settlement negotiations; evaluate opportunities.
• Prepare cases for trial including exhibit and witness preparation, and trial strategy.
• Earn opportunities for first and second chair trials and arbitrations as experience grows.
• Develop your own book of business through mentorship and firm resources.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Client communication

Independent worker

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Associate Attorney – Civil Litigation (1–3 Years' Experience)

We are excited to announce an opportunity to join our growing team at Friedman Schuman Layser, P.C.! As our firm continues to expand, we are seeking a dedicated and ambitious Associate Attorney with 1–3 years of litigation experience to join our plaintiff's litigation practice. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience handling sophisticated, high‑value cases involving medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury, product liability, construction accidents, and victims' rights while working alongside experienced trial attorneys in a collaborative and fast‑paced environment.

Unlike many firms where junior associates spend years behind a desk, our associates are entrusted with meaningful responsibility from day one. You will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, nationally recognized experts, opposing counsel, and the courts while developing the skills necessary to become a successful trial lawyer.

Experience: 1–3 Years

Type: Full-Time

Role and Responsibilities

As an Associate Attorney with Friedman Schuman Layser, P.C., you will:

• Take Ownership of Complex Litigation: Manage all aspects of litigation under the mentorship of experienced trial attorneys while developing increasing independence.
• Draft and Review Legal Documents: Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, and other substantive legal filings.
• Conduct Legal Research: Perform in-depth legal research and develop creative legal strategies for complex litigation matters.
• Conduct and Defend Depositions: Prepare witnesses, take and defend fact and expert depositions, analyze testimony, and develop case strategy.
• Work Directly with Clients and Experts: Build relationships with clients, collaborate closely with nationally recognized medical and technical experts, prepare expert witnesses, and help develop compelling case themes.
• Lead Mediations and Settlement Negotiations: Prepare cases for mediation, participate in and conduct mediations, evaluate settlement opportunities, and negotiate resolutions.
• Prepare Cases for Trial: Assist in all aspects of trial preparation, including exhibit preparation, witness preparation, motions in limine, jury instructions, and trial strategy.
• First and Second Chair Trials and Arbitrations: Gain real courtroom experience by working towards first and second chair trials, arbitrations, and evidentiary hearings as your experience develops.
• Develop Your Own Book of Business: Through mentorship and access to the firm's extensive network, cultivate business development skills and build your own practice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active Pennsylvania Bar admission required. New Jersey admission, or eligibility for admission, is preferred.
• 1–3 years of litigation experience.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
• Deposition + Courtroom experience is a plus.

Why Join Us

• Real Trial Experience: Opportunities to first and second chair trials, arbitrations, hearings, depositions, and mediations far earlier than at most firms.
• Meaningful Responsibility: Work directly with clients, expert witnesses, opposing counsel, and the judiciary on sophisticated, high‑value cases.
• Professional Development: Receive mentorship from accomplished trial attorneys committed to helping you become an exceptional litigator.
• Business Development Support: Learn how to build and grow your own practice with guidance and firm resources.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a close‑knit team that values initiative, teamwork, and professional excellence.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: Enjoy the flexibility of working remotely on Fridays year‑round.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, parental leave, professional development assistance, and more.

Work Location: Fort Washington, PA (Hybrid – Work from Home Fridays)