Litigation Associate Attorney – Municipal Defense

Wilson Elser; City of White Plains (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney to join the Municipal Defense practice in White Plains, NY. This role offers exposure to diverse, high-profile matters and collaboration with seasoned trial lawyers at a nationally recognized defense firm.

You will handle complex civil rights, employment, general liability, and tort cases, representing municipalities and clients while developing a broad litigation skill set in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in New York state.
• 2–5 years of litigation experience, preferably in employment, complex tort, or civil rights matters.
• Municipal liability defense experience preferred.
• Experience managing discovery, preparing and defending depositions, drafting dispositive motions, and supporting trial preparation.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload from inception to resolution.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies with partners and senior attorneys.
• Regularly handle court appearances and depositions.
• Draft and argue motions and prepare pleadings.
• Represent municipalities and clients in civil rights and employment matters.
• Provide strategic guidance and updates to clients.
• Participate in trial preparation and courtroom opportunities.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Case management

Discovery management

Deposition handling

Motions drafting

Trial preparation

Collaboration

Employment law knowledge

Civil rights & tort knowledge

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #36 in the National Law Journal's survey of the nation’s largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Litigation Associate Attorney – Municipal Defense position in our White Plains, New York Office.

The Position

Wilson Elser is seeking a talented and motivated Litigation Associate to join our Municipal practice in our White Plains office. This is an exceptional opportunity for a litigation attorney looking to take ownership of a diverse and sophisticated caseload while working alongside experienced trial lawyers in one of the nation’s leading defense firms.

In this role, you will represent municipalities, public entities, and private clients in complex, high-profile litigation matters involving employment law, civil rights claims, constitutional issues, general liability, and complex tort litigation. Attorneys in this practice gain substantial hands-on experience, meaningful client interaction, and the opportunity to handle challenging matters that have a direct impact on public institutions and communities.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from inception to resolution
• Develop and execute litigation strategies in collaboration with partners and senior attorneys.
• Regularly handle court appearances and depositions
• Draft and argue motions, prepare pleadings, and handle all phases of discovery.
• Represent municipalities and other clients in matters involving civil rights claims, employment disputes, police misconduct allegations, First Amendment issues, land use disputes, and other complex liability matters.
• Communicate directly with clients, providing strategic guidance and timely case updates.
• Participate in trial preparation and gain exposure to significant litigation and courtroom opportunities.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited ABA law school
• Admitted to practice in New York state
• 2-5 years of experience in litigation, preferably in employment law, complex tort litigation, general liability or civil rights matters.
• Municipal liability defense experience is preferred
• Experience managing discovery, preparing and defending depositions, drafting dispositive motions, and supporting trial preparation.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Ability to independently manage cases while thriving in a collaborative team environment.

Why Join Wilson Elser?

• Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
• Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicants race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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