Civil Defense Litigation Associate (3+ Years)

Gfeller Laurie LLP; Trenton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Supplemental insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

CLE support

Bar dues reimbursement

Cell phone stipend

Firm events

Job summary

Gfeller Laurie LLP in New Jersey seeks a Civil Defense Litigation Associate with 3+ years of experience to own cases from inception to resolution. You will conduct research, draft pleadings, take depositions, attend court conferences, and develop case strategy in a collaborative, growth-minded firm.

The role offers a hybrid work arrangement in Trenton with mentorship, advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in New Jersey & Pennsylvania.
• 3+ 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 admissions a plus (CT, NY, MA, or VT preferred).

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.

Skills

Strong writing

Analytical skills

Advocacy skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Bar admissions NJ & PA

Job description

Civil Defense Litigation Associate (3+ Years) – New Jersey

Practice Area

General Civil Defense Litigation (Construction Defect Experience a plus)

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 Firm. 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.

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 & Pennsylvania (required)
• 3+ 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, NY,MA, or VT preferred)

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $140,000 +, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Bonus opportunities based on performance
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental and supplemental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• CLE and professional development support
• Bar dues reimbursementCell phone stipend
• Firm-sponsored events, team-building activities, and more

Pay: From $140,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Why Gfeller Laurie

• Meaningful, hands‑on litigation experience from day one where Associates are provided 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 of, 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.

Application Question(s)

• Please describe your experience managing cases from inception through resolution.
• Describe your experience handling depositions (taking and/or defending).
• Do you have experience appearing in court (conferences, motions, hearings)? Please describe.
• What has been your typical annual billable hour requirement?
• Are you currently admitted to practice law, if so what states are you actively admitted?
• Please describe the type of litigation experience you have.
• Are you able to spend time working in both or Princeton office as well as our Philly office?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Trenton, NJ 08650