Defense Litigation Attorney

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Woodbridge Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier healthcare

Dental and vision coverage

PTO and holidays

Retirement savings resources

Student loan repayment program

Backup care

Parental and personal leave

Wellness resources

Commuter benefits

Flexible spending accounts

Mentor Program

Trial Workshops

CLE programs

Job summary

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Iselin, NJ seeks a mid-level Litigation Associate (3+ years) to handle general litigation and tort defense, working hybrid/remote from Iselin. You will represent clients in state and federal courts, manage cases from inception to resolution, and collaborate with a strong Iselin team.

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, structured bonus opportunities, and professional growth through Mentor programs and CLE offerings.

Qualifications

• Must have Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• NJ Bar admission in good standing; NY Bar admission strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in general litigation and tort defense.
• Experience handling matters in NJ, NY, and/or federal courts.
• Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
• High professionalism, attention to detail, and client service orientation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork ability.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in general liability and tort defense matters in New Jersey, New York, and federal courts.
• Manage cases from inception through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
• Conduct depositions, attend hearings, and participate in mediations and settlement negotiations.
• Develop litigation strategies and provide legal analysis on complex matters.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure efficient case management and high-quality client service.
• Maintain strong client relationships and communicate case developments effectively.

Skills

General litigation

Tort defense

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Litigation Associate Attorney Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is seeking a mid-level associate (3+ years) to join its Iselin, New Jersey office, focusing on general litigation and tort defense.

Location: Iselin, NJ Hybrid | Remote.

Join Hinshaw & Culbertson’s nationally recognized litigation powerhouse—named a BTI “Leader in Litigation” for the second consecutive year and nationally ranked Tier 1 in Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions–Defendants—while working alongside the highly regarded Iselin team on sophisticated tort and defense matters across New Jersey and beyond.

Why Hinshaw & Culbertson

Excellence, Recognized. 13 national rankings and 56 metro rankings in the 2026 Best Law Firms® directory. 80 lawyers named to Best Lawyers in America®, with 22 rising stars on the Ones to Watch™ list. National Chambers USA honors in Aviation, Financial Services, and Insurance. This isn't legacy prestige — it's excellence earned every year, by people at every stage of their career.

Scale That Backs You Up. 90+ years in practice. 450+ attorneys in 25 offices nationwide. One firm, coast to coast — giving you the resources of a national platform with the relationships of a firm that still knows your name.

Equality Isn't a Talking Point Here. 14 years running at 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. Mansfield Rule Certified Plus. A firm-wide commitment to pro bono work that runs through nearly every practice group. At Hinshaw, inclusion isn't a program — it's how we've operated for over a decade, consistently.

Bottom line: Ranked nationally. Built for the long run. Committed to getting it right — for our people, our clients, and our communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in general liability and tort defense matters in New Jersey, New York, and federal courts.
• Manage cases from inception through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
• Conduct depositions, attend hearings, and participate in mediations and settlement negotiations.
• Develop litigation strategies and provide legal analysis on complex matters.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure efficient case management and high-quality client service.
• Maintain strong client relationships and communicate case developments effectively.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New Jersey State Bar and in good standing; New York Bar admission strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in general litigation and tort defense.
• Experience handling matters in New Jersey, New York, and/or federal courts.
• Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
• High level of professionalism, attention to detail, and client service orientation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.

What We Offer

Salary Range: (New Jersey Candidates Only)

Estimated salary range: $135,000 to $180,000, based on internal equity, market data,experience, and qualifications

Competitive Compensation & Multiple Paths to Earn More

Hinshaw’s compensation structure is designed to reward performance and provide multiple opportunities to increase your total compensation. In addition to competitive base salaries, attorneys can benefit from:

• Semi-annual hours-based bonuses rewarding strong billable performance
• Annual billed-and-collected bonuses providing an additional opportunity to directly benefit from your business and billing results
• Discretionary annual bonuses recognizing overall contributions and performance

With multiple bonus opportunities throughout the year, Hinshaw provides several avenues to achieve—and potentially exceed your compensation goals.

Exceptional Benefits, Growth & Career Support

Hinshaw offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, career growth, and life beyond the workplace. Employees enjoy top-tier healthcare with multiple medical plan options to fit individual and family needs, along with dental and vision coverage.

Additional benefits include:

• generous PTO and holidays
• retirement savings and wealth management resources
• a student loan repayment program
• backup care
• parental and personal leave with reintegration support
• wellness and mental health resources
• EAP
• commuter benefits
• flexible spending and health savings accounts

Hinshaw also recognizes and rewards long-term commitment through its employee anniversary program.

Your growth matters at Hinshaw. Through a dedicated Mentor Program, Hinshaw University skills development, Trial Workshops, and free monthly CLE programs, attorneys have meaningful opportunities to sharpen your skills and advance their careers. Our Peer Recognition Program allows you to be recognized and recognize fellow peers for outstanding work. Flexible career tracks allow you to shape your professional path, while coast-to-coast pro bono opportunities provide the chance to make an impact in communities across the country.

At Hinshaw, you’re not just joining a firm; you’re joining a firm invested in your success, your career, and your life.

As an EOE/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.