Defense Litigation Attorney

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Woodbridge Township, Northern (NJ, KY); On-site; USD 135,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Iselin, New Jersey seeks a mid-level Litigation Associate (3+ years) to join its general litigation and tort defense practice. The role offers hybrid/remote work options and collaborates with a respected Iselin team across New Jersey and beyond to handle sophisticated matters.

The candidate will manage cases, draft pleadings, take depositions, and contribute to strategy and client service in a dynamic national platform.

Qualifications

• JD required from an accredited law school.
• Admission to New Jersey State Bar in good standing; New York Bar 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; professional and client-focused.

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

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Litigation strategy

Client service

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

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, and 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 their 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.