Litigation Associate - Construction, Labor Law & Insurance Defense

Cozen O’Connor; New York (NY); On-site; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Cozen O'Connor seeks an experienced litigation associate to join its Global Insurance Department in New York, handling a sophisticated portfolio including New York Labor Law, construction, transportation, premises liability, general liability, and commercial disputes.

The ideal candidate will independently develop case strategy, manage client relationships, and drive matters from inception through resolution, with strong motion practice, depositions, and courtroom experience.

Qualifications

• 4-8 years of insurance defense and complex civil litigation experience
• Significant experience handling New York Labor Law, construction accident, transportation, premises liability, and general liability matters
• Ability to independently manage a litigation docket with minimal supervision
• Experience taking and defending depositions of parties, fact witnesses, and experts
• Strong motion practice experience, including summary judgment motions and appellate briefing
• Courtroom experience, including substantive appearances, conferences, oral argument, and mediations
• Ability to analyze exposure, identify litigation risks, and develop practical, results-oriented defense strategies
• Excellent judgment, responsiveness, and client-management skills
• Superior legal research, writing, and advocacy abilities
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Active New York law license in good standing

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute case strategy from inception to resolution
• Manage client relationships and provide strategic advice
• Take and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts
• Lead motion practice and handling of dispositive issues
• Appear in court for hearings, conferences, and mediations
• Assess exposure and negotiate favorable resolutions
• Maintain rigorous docket management and meet deadlines

Skills

Case management

Deposition experience

Motion practice

Oral argument

Client communication

Legal research

Litigation strategy

Risk assessment

Attention to deadlines

Negotiation

Job description

Cozen O'Connor is seeking an experienced litigation associate to join its nationally recognized Global Insurance Department in New York.

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated attorney to manage a sophisticated litigation portfolio involving New York Labor Law, construction accident, transportation, premises liability, general liability, and commercial disputes.

We are looking for more than a researcher or motion writer. We seek an attorney who can independently develop and execute case strategy, manage client relationships, and drive matters from inception through resolution.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• 4-8 years of insurance defense and complex civil litigation experience
• Significant experience handling New York Labor Law, construction accident, transportation, premises liability, and general liability matters
• The ability to independently manage a litigation docket with minimal supervision
• Experience taking and defending depositions of parties, fact witnesses, and experts
• Strong motion practice experience, including summary judgment motions and appellate briefing
• Courtroom experience, including substantive appearances, conferences, oral argument, and mediations
• The ability to analyze exposure, identify litigation risks, and develop practical, results-oriented defense strategies
• Excellent judgment, responsiveness, and client-management skills
• Superior legal research, writing, and advocacy abilities
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities
• An active New York law license in good standing

What Sets You Apart:

• You are proactive rather than reactive.
• You take ownership of your cases and move them forward without being asked.
• You can confidently communicate with clients, carriers, experts, and opposing counsel.
• You understand not only how to litigate a case, but also how to evaluate exposure, negotiate resolution, and provide strategic advice.
• You can step into a file and quickly become the attorney clients rely upon.

About Cozen O'Connor

Cozen O'Connor represents major domestic and international insurers and is widely recognized as a leader in insurance law. With nearly 200 insurance attorneys nationwide, the firm's Global Insurance Department handles some of the most complex and high‑profile insurance and liability matters in the country. Our attorneys regularly serve as lead trial counsel, national coordinating counsel, and strategic advisors in significant litigation across the United States. We combine sophisticated legal analysis with practical business solutions to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

The salary range for this role is $220,000 - $250,000 and represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and location