Insurance Defense Attorney

Goodwin Recruiting; Buffalo (NY); Remote; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Remote work flexibility (Syracuse area

Mentorship and professional growth

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting in Buffalo, NY, seeks an experienced attorney to join a growing litigation boutique focusing on insurance defense, municipal law, and complex civil litigation across Central and Upstate New York.

The role offers real responsibility, significant courtroom exposure, and collaboration with firm leadership on sophisticated matters. This position is fully remote for candidates in the Syracuse region and includes a strong mentorship culture and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Active New York Bar license in good standing.
• 2-10 years of insurance defense, municipal law, or related civil litigation experience.
• Independently manage all phases of litigation, including depositions, motions, court appearances, and discovery.
• Strong familiarity with New York CPLR.
• Experience representing municipalities, public entities, insurers, or insured clients.
• 1,800 billable hours annually with time-tracking discipline.
• Regional mobility for local court appearances and meetings across Central NY.
• JD required; federal court admission preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a robust caseload, including insurance defense and municipal law matters.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery demands/responses, and federal/state court filings.
• Conduct and defend depositions, handle oral arguments, and attend court hearings and mediations.
• Collaborate directly with clients, municipal officials, insurance representatives, and firm partners to develop case strategy.
• Maintain organized, timely records and meet billable expectations.

Skills

Litigation management

CPLR familiarity

Deposition & trial experience

Time-tracking discipline

Regional mobility

Municipal law experience

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) required

Federal court admission preferred

Tools

Westlaw or LexisNexis

Legal billing software

NY SCEF/CM/ECF e-filing

Job description

A growing litigation boutique focused on insurance defense, municipal law, and complex civil litigation seeks an experienced attorney to join its team serving Central and Upstate New York. This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated attorney who desires real responsibility, significant courtroom exposure, and the chance to work closely with firm leadership on sophisticated matters. The firm is known for its collaborative, supportive culture and commitment to long-term attorney growth.

Attorney - Insurance Defense Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive base salary ($100,000–$150,000; up to $160,000 for exceptional experience)
• Performance-based, uncapped quarterly bonus structure
• 100% remote work flexibility for candidates in the Syracuse region
• Inclusive, vibrant culture that prioritizes mentorship and professional development

Attorney - Insurance Defense Requirements & Qualifications

• Active New York Bar license in good standing
• 2-10 years of insurance defense, municipal law, or related civil litigation experience
• Proven ability to independently manage all phases of litigation, including depositions, motion practice, court appearances, and discovery
• Strong familiarity with New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR)
• Experience representing municipalities, public entities, insurers, or insured clients
• Clear and disciplined time-tracking skills to meet an annual 1,800 billable hour expectation
• Regional mobility for local court appearances and meetings across Central NY
• Juris Doctor (JD) required; federal court admission preferred

Litigation Attorney - Insurance Defense & Municipal Law Preferred Background & Skills

• Federal court and U.S. District Court practice experience
• Background in public entity defense, labor law, civil rights litigation, premises or general liability, or insurance coverage disputes
• Proficiency with Westlaw or LexisNexis, legal billing/time-tracking software, and NYSCEF/CM/ECF e-filing

Litigation Attorney - Insurance Defense & Municipal Law Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Independently manage a robust caseload, including insurance defense and municipal law matters
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery demands/responses, and federal/state court filings
• Conduct and defend depositions, handle oral arguments, and attend court hearings and mediations
• Collaborate directly with clients, municipal officials, insurance representatives, and firm partners to develop case strategy
• Maintain organized, timely records and meet billable expectations