Defense Litigation Attorney

Management Performance Associates; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and firm holidays

CLE support

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Management Performance Associates is seeking an experienced defense litigation attorney in New York City. The role involves managing a caseload from assignment through trial or appeal if needed, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and handling all discovery activities.

Responsibilities include taking and defending depositions, appearing at court proceedings, and developing strategy with partners and staff. Strong writing, research, and negotiation skills are essential.

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.

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.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Deposition experience

Multitasking

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Client relations

Courtroom practice

Motion practice

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

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.