Defense Litigation Attorney

Top Dog Recruiting; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus opportunities

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer 2

Generous paid time off and holidays

CLE support

Hybrid work

Job summary

Top Dog Recruiting is assisting a respected New York City law firm in seeking an experienced defense litigation attorney. The role handles defense litigation from initial assignment through trial, with opportunities for trial proceedings and appeals as needed.

We seek a JD, active New York Bar, 3+ years of defense litigation experience, and strong writing and advocacy skills. The position offers hybrid work, comprehensive benefits, and clear career advancement prospects.

Qualifications

• Strong legal writing, research and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of defense litigation matters from assignment through trial and appeal.
• Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings, motions and briefs.
• Handle all aspects of discovery and e-discovery.
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses and experts.
• Attend court appearances, hearings, conferences, arbitrations and settlements.
• Develop litigation strategy and provide analysis to clients and leadership.
• Collaborate with partners and staff for efficient case management.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and reporting.
• Prepare cases for trial and participate in trial proceedings.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Time management

Client relations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of defense litigation matters from initial assignment through trial and appeal, if necessary.
• Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents.
• Handle all aspects of discovery, including drafting and responding to discovery demands, document review, and e-discovery.
• Conduct and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Attend court appearances, hearings, conferences, arbitrations, mediations, and settlement negotiations.
• Develop litigation strategy and provide legal analysis to clients and firm leadership.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, experts, and support staff to ensure efficient case management.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and reporting.
• Prepare cases for trial and participate in trial proceedings as required.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

• General Liability
• Premises Liability
• Construction Litigation / Labor Law
• Transportation and Trucking Defense
• Professional Liability
• Employment Litigation
• Medical Malpractice Defense
• Product Liability
• Insurance Coverage and Defense

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the New York State Bar.
• 3+ years of defense litigation experience preferred.
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Courtroom and motion practice experience.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and client relationship management abilities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary (125K-175K) commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Generous paid time off and firm holidays.
• Continuing legal education (CLE) support.
• Hybrid work flexibility and professional development opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking hands‑on litigation experience, meaningful client interaction, and a clear path for career advancement within a respected New York City law firm.