Defense Litigation Attorney

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus

Health insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

CLE support

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Henderson Group Recruiting is seeking an attorney in New York with defense litigation experience to manage matters through trial and appeal.

The role emphasizes strong writing, research, and deposition skills, with collaboration across partners, staff, and clients. Hybrid work arrangement and clear advancement opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active NY State Bar membership.
• 3+ years of defense litigation experience preferred.
• Strong writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Courtroom and motion practice experience.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines.
• Excellent client relations and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of defense litigation through trial and appeal if needed.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Handle discovery, including drafting responses and e-discovery.
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Attend court appearances, hearings, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Develop litigation strategy and provide analysis to clients and leadership.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, experts, and staff for case management.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular updates.
• Prepare cases for trial and participate in trial proceedings.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Depositions

Case management

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Tools

None

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.