Defense Litigation Associate Attorney - Mass Torts (Asbestos)

Murtha Cullina LLP; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC in New York state is seeking an associate to join its Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation team, focusing on asbestos defense and working with experienced attorneys across offices on high‑stakes matters. The role requires admission to the New York and New Jersey bars, a JD from an ABA‑accredited school, and strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement in New York offices.

Qualifications

• New York and New Jersey bar admission required.
• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• Familiarity with Zoom, MS Teams, and other video platforms for depositions, court conferences, and hearings.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Take and defend depositions of plaintiffs and fact witnesses.
• Research legal, procedural, and scientific issues, and collaborate with senior attorneys on strategy.
• Draft responsive pleadings, memoranda, briefs, and significant motions including motions for summary judgment and discovery motions.
• Prepare reports to clients, including deposition reports, litigation status reports and case analysis reports.
• Represent clients at courtroom appearances, including oral argument of motions and discovery conferences (both in-person and virtually).
• The firm requires a minimum of 1900 billable hours annually.

Skills

Excellent research, writing, and oral/

Strong organizational skills

Ability to manage competing priorities

Team-oriented culture

Education

Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school

Tools

Zoom/Video platforms

Job description

Location: Any Harris Beach Murtha office in New York State (Hybrid)

Experience Level: 2+ years of asbestos defense litigation required

About the Role: Harris Beach Murtha is seeking an associate to join its growing Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation team, with a particular focus on our national asbestos defense practice. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with experienced attorneys across multiple offices, engage in high‑level litigation strategy, and take on meaningful responsibility representing defendants in a variety of industries in state and federal courts nationwide. The work is collaborative, fast‑paced, and provides hands‑on experience managing complex toxic tort matters.

The Defense Litigation Associate will have the opportunity to:

• Take and defend depositions of plaintiffs and fact witnesses
• Research legal, procedural, and scientific issues, and collaborate with senior attorneys on strategy
• Draft responsive pleadings, memoranda, briefs, and significant motions including motions for summary judgment and discovery motions
• Prepare reports to clients, including deposition reports, litigation status reports and case analysis reports
• Represent clients at courtroom appearances, including oral argument of motions and discovery conferences (both in-person and virtually)
• The firm requires a minimum of 1900 billable hours annually

Work Environment and Expectations:

• A hybrid work opportunity in one (or several) of Harris Beach Murtha's New York offices
• Minimum annual billable requirement of 1900 hours
• Engagement in sophisticated, high‑stakes litigation on behalf of long‑standing clients

Applications are encouraged and desired if you have:

• Admission to the New York AND New Jersey bars (required)
• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school
• Familiarity with Zoom, MS Teams, and other video platforms for depositions, court conferences, and hearings
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• The ability to function effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly absorb and analyze new information
• A high level of professionalism, conscientiousness, and responsibility
• A positive, flexible, and cooperative attitude
• Military experience welcome

Salary information below will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position and geographic locations.

Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester (Pittsford), Syracuse: $125,000 - $185,000

Long Island (Uniondale) and White Plains: $140,000 - $185,000

NYC: $145,000 - $185,000

Harris Beach Murtha offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both professional and personal well‑being. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurances; health savings and flexible spending account options; life and disability insurances; retirement plan including 401(k) and profit sharing; paid leave programs; employee assistance resources; commuter and parking benefits where applicable; and professional development opportunities. Eligibility for benefits is subject to applicable plan terms and firm policies.

Harris Beach Murtha is committed to an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from diverse candidates with varied background and skills, including military experience. Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.