Defense Litigation Associate - Mass Torts & Products Liability

Murtha Cullina LLP; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work in NYC office

Job summary

Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC seeks an associate attorney for its Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation and Products Liability team in New York, NY. The role involves collaboration across offices and with local counsel nationwide, handling complex injury defense matters.

The Defense Litigation Associate will litigate, take/defend depositions as first chair, manage discovery, draft pleadings and briefs, and participate in trial/ADR planning under partner supervision.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of Mass Torts/Products Liability defense experience.
• Admission to the New York bar is required.
• Strong deposition and motion practice skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Litigate complex injury defense matters and take/defend depositions as first chair.
• Manage discovery and e-discovery processes; coordinate with opposing counsel.
• Draft reports, legal memoranda, pleadings, discovery requests/responses, motions and briefs.
• Participate in trial and ADR planning and preparation; appear at conferences and motions.
• Oversee day-to-day case work under partner supervision.

Skills

Deposition

E-discovery

Motions

Pleadings

Trial preparation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid – 3 days in Manhattan office)

Experience Level: 4+ years of experience Mass Torts, Products Liability Defense Litigation

About the Role: We are seeking an associate attorney to join our nationally-recognized Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation, Products Liability team. Given the broad reach of our practice, this role will involve working collaboratively with colleagues in all of our offices, as well as with local counsel throughout the country.

The Defense Litigation Associate will have the opportunity to:

• Litigate matters involving complex injury defense
• Take and defend depositions as first chair
• Manage discovery, including e-discovery
• Draft reports, legal memoranda, pleadings, discovery demands and responses, motions, and briefs
• Participate in trial and ADR planning and preparation
• Represent clients at courtroom conferences and motion appearances
• Manage day-to-day case responsibilities with partner supervision

Work Environment and Expectations:

• A hybrid work opportunity in Harris Beach Murtha’s NYC office
• 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 bar (required)
• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school
• Experience practicing before New York State courts; federal experience is a plus
• Strong deposition, motion practice, pleading, and e-discovery experience
• Familiarity with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other video conferencing platforms
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workload and manage competing deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to quickly absorb, process, and understand new information
• High standards of performance, professionalism, and accountability
• A cooperative, positive, and flexible team-oriented attitude
• Military experience welcome

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

NYC: $155,000 - $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.

LI-Hybrid