Associate (Litigation)

Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Flexible work options

Paid time off

Job summary

Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP is seeking an associate attorney with 8+ years of litigation experience to support the firm's defense practice in Buffalo and across New York State. The ideal candidate will manage complex matters in a collaborative law firm environment. Strong experience in various defense litigation areas like insurance and municipal liability is preferred.

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) with match, and flexible work options.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of litigation experience, preferably in a law firm setting.
• Experience in defense litigation including insurance defense and municipal liability.
• Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of New York defense litigation, including discovery and trial preparation.
• Draft and respond to discovery demands and objections.
• Prepare motions to compel and supporting papers as needed.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal writing

Research skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Admission to practice in New York

Job description

Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP is seeking an associate attorney with 8+ years of litigation experience to support the firm's defense practice in Buffalo and across New York State. This position offers an opportunity for a skilled litigator to take on a meaningful role handling complex matters in a collaborative, forward‑thinking law firm environment.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience or an interest in defense litigation, including areas such as insurance defense, labor law, municipal liability, premises liability, trucking, product liability, professional liability, motor vehicle accidents, general liability, or insurance coverage, though experience in all areas is not required. This role requires initiative, sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates with an interest in travel and the ability to handle matters both within and outside the Western New York area — including downstate New York — are strongly encouraged to apply. Although the position will be based in the Buffalo office, remote options are available.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Handling all phases of New York defense litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
• Drafting and responding to discovery demands and objections, and following up with opposing counsel to ensure timely compliance
• Drafting correspondence to the court in connection with discovery conferences and related proceedings
• Preparing motions to compel and supporting papers as needed
• Drafting and responding to motions for summary judgment
• Conducting legal research and preparing comprehensive reports and legal analyses
• Participating in court conferences, depositions, hearings, and trial proceedings as appropriate
• Managing case strategy and deadlines while ensuring compliance with client and carrier guidelines
• Maintaining accurate time records and billing entries

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills And Abilities)

• 8+ years of litigation experience, preferably in a law firm setting
• Experience in defense litigation, ideally involving areas such as insurance defense, municipal liability, trucking, product liability, professional liability, premises liability, labor law, motor vehicle accidents, general liability, or insurance coverage
• Admission to practice in New York
• Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a demonstrated work ethic
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines consistently
• Interest in handling matters both within and outside the Western New York area, including downstate New York, is a plus
• Trial experience is a plus

Compensation And Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience and skill set, and comes with a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, 401(k) (with generous vested match), flexible work options, and paid time off.