Insurance Defense Litigation Associate

Gfeller Laurie LLP; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and supplemental

Paid time off and firm holidays

CLE and professional development

Cell phone stipend

Firm-sponsored events

Job summary

Gfeller Laurie LLP in West Hartford, CT seeks an Insurance Defense Litigation Associate with 2+ years of experience to join its growing civil defense practice. You will manage matters from inception through resolution, draft pleadings and discovery, take depositions, and collaborate with partners to develop case strategy in a supportive, mentorship-focused environment.

The firm represents major insurers and handles diverse matters.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.
• Strong writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of insurance defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and discovery.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Attend court conferences, hearings, and mediations.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to develop case strategy; maintain strong client communication and deliver high-quality legal work.

Skills

Insurance defense experience

Legal research and writing

Effective communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Insurance Defense Litigation Associate (2+ Years)

Location: West Hartford, CT

Practice Area: Civil Insurance Defense Litigation

The Opportunity

Gfeller Laurie LLP is a dynamic and growing litigation boutique with a national practice. We are seeking confident and ambitious associate attorneys with 2+ years of insurance defense litigation experience for our West Hartford, Connecticut office.

We represent leading international and domestic insurance companies across various lines of business and serve clients throughout the insurance industry, including primary insurers, reinsurers, self-insurers, insurance syndicates, third-party administrators, managing general agents, insurance brokers and agents, and independent adjustment companies. Our diverse experience includes serving as regional defense counsel for leading domestic insurance carriers in insurance defense and bad faith litigation, conducting risk reviews of new programs for the London Market, and performing due diligence for loan transactions involving businesses within the insurance industry.

Our associate attorneys within this practice are highly valued contributors, responsible for day-to-day case management, reporting to clients, handling written discovery, attending depositions, court appearances, trial preparation and trials. Strong analytical, organizational, research and writing skills, as well as a genuine interest in developing sophisticated experience and skills in civil defense litigation contexts, are crucial. Associate attorneys will work closely with the firm’s civil litigation partners and therefore, successful candidates must be well-versed in all aspects of their state’s applicable practice rules and procedures.

Why Gfeller Laurie

• Meaningful, hands-on litigation experience from day one where associates are provided early responsibility and direct involvement in case strategy
• Collaborative, collegial environment where people genuinely enjoy working together
• Direct access to partners and meaningful mentorship
• Clear and attainable paths for advancement in a growing litigation firm
• Reasonable annual billable expectation designed to support high-quality client service, professional growth, and work-life balance

About Us

At Gfeller Laurie LLP, our success is driven by our people. We are a collaborative, growth-oriented defense litigation firm known for delivering exceptional client service while fostering a supportive, engaging, and team-oriented environment. We take pride in developing our attorneys, investing in mentorship, and creating meaningful opportunities for advancement.

Our continued growth is creating opportunities for attorneys to expand their practice, take on increased responsibility, and play a meaningful role in the firm’s long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of insurance defense matters from inception through resolution
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and discovery
• Take and defend depositions
• Attend court conferences, hearings, and mediations
• Collaborate with partners and clients to develop case strategyMaintain strong client communication and deliver high-quality legal work

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in Connecticut (required)
• 2+ years of Insurance defense litigation experience
• Strong writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Additional state bar admission(s) a plus (PA, NJ, MA, NY, or VT preferred)
• Base Salary range: $120,000 + commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Bonus opportunities based on performance
• Medical, dental and supplemental insurance
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• CLE and professional development support
• Cell phone stipend
• Firm-sponsored events, team-building activities, and more

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gfeller Laurie LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a professional workplace free from discrimination and harassment.