Civil Defense Litigation Associate

Gfeller Laurie LLP; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Supplemental insurance

Paid time off

CLE and professional development

Job summary

Gfeller Laurie LLP in Princeton, NJ seeks a Civil Defense Litigation Associate with 3+ years of experience to join our New Jersey team. You will manage general civil defense matters from inception through resolution, draft pleadings, take and defend depositions, and participate in court conferences, mediations, and strategy sessions.

We value hands-on litigation, mentorship, and a collaborative atmosphere. The position offers a base salary starting at $140,000+ with bonus opportunities,

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in New Jersey (required).
• 3-8 years of civil defense litigation experience.
• Strong writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of general civil defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and discovery.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Attend court conferences, hearings, and mediations.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to develop case strategy.
• Maintain strong client communication and deliver high-quality legal work.

Skills

Civil defense litigation

Legal writing

Deposition skills

Court appearances

Client communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

Bar admission NJ

Job description

Location

Princeton, NJ

About Us

At Gfeller Laurie LLP, our success is driven by our people. We are a collaborative, growth-oriented defense litigation firm known for delivering exceptional client service while fostering a supportive, engaging, and team-oriented environment. We take pride in developing our attorneys, investing in mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities for advancement.

Our continued growth is creating opportunities for attorneys to expand their practice, take on increased responsibility, and play a meaningful role in the firm’s long-term success.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Civil Defense Litigation Associate with 3+ years of experience to join our New Jersey Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who is looking to take ownership of their cases, build strong litigation experience, and grow within a dynamic and expanding firm defending clients in a wide range of civil litigation matters from personal injury claims to complex commercial disputes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of general civil defense matters from inception through resolution
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and discovery
• Take and defend depositions
• Attend court conferences, hearings, and mediations
• Collaborate with partners and clients to develop case strategy
• Maintain strong client communication and deliver high-quality legal work

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in New Jersey (required)
• 3-8 years of civil defense litigation experience
• Strong writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Additional state bar admission(s) a plus (CT, MA, NY, PA or VT preferred)
• Base Salary range: $140,000 + commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Bonus opportunities based on performance
• Medical, dental and supplemental insurance
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• CLE and professional development support
• Cell phone stipe
• Firm-sponsored events, team-building activities, and more

Why Gfeller Laurie

• Meaningful, hands-on litigation experience from day one where Associates are provided with early responsibility and direct involvement in case strategy
• Collaborative, collegial environment where people genuinely enjoy working together
• Direct access to partners and meaningful mentorship
• Clear and attainable paths for advancement within a growing firm
• Reasonable annual billable expectation, supporting both professional growth and work-life balance

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gfeller Laurie LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a professional workplace free from discrimination and harassment.