Litigation Attorney (Insurance Defense)

Russo & Gould LLP; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Profit sharing

Generous PTO

Hybrid work model

Collaborative team culture

Exposure to complex litigation

Job summary

Russo & Gould, LLP invites an Associate Attorney with 3-7 years of insurance defense experience to join its collaborative team in Buffalo, NY. This hybrid role balances sophisticated litigation with flexible scheduling and work-life balance.

The ideal candidate will manage matters from inception through resolution, including depositions, court appearances, arbitrations, trial preparation, and drafting pleadings and motions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active New York bar license or eligibility for admission.
• 3–7 years of litigation experience, preferably in insurance defense.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Experience handling depositions and court appearances independently.
• Excellent organizational and case management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Trial experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload involving insurance defense litigation.
• Engage in general tort litigation.
• Conduct and defend depositions.
• Appear in state and federal courts for conferences, motions, and hearings.
• Represent clients during arbitrations, mediations, and trials.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, discovery responses, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Evaluate cases and develop strategic litigation plans.
• Negotiate settlements and facilitate efficient dispute resolution.
• Communicate regularly with clients, claims professionals, and opposing counsel.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal support staff to achieve favorable outcomes.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Deposition experience

Court appearances

Trial experience

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Job description

Associate Attorney – Insurance Defense (Hybrid)

Russo & Gould, LLP is a well-established and growing litigation practice seeking an Associate Attorney with 3-7 years of insurance defense experience to join its collaborative legal team. This hybrid position offers the opportunity to handle a sophisticated and varied caseload while maintaining flexibility and work-life balance.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing matters from inception through resolution, including depositions, court appearances, arbitrations, and trial preparation. Trial experience is a plus. Candidates should be comfortable handling matters throughout the Buffalo, New York region.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload involving insurance defense litigation, including:
• General tort litigation
• Conduct and defend depositions
• Appear in state and federal courts for conferences, motions, and hearings
• Represent clients during arbitrations, mediations, and trials
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, discovery responses, briefs, and other legal documents
• Evaluate cases and develop strategic litigation plans
• Negotiate settlements and facilitate efficient dispute resolution
• Communicate regularly with clients, claims professionals, and opposing counsel
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal support staff to achieve favorable outcomes

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in New York (or ability to obtain admission promptly)
• 3–7 years of litigation experience, preferably in insurance defense
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Experience handling depositions and court appearances independently
• Excellent organizational and case management abilities
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Trial experience is preferred but not required

Russo & Gould offers a competitive compensation package, medical and dental insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, generous PTO, hybrid work environment with scheduling flexibility, collaborative and supportive team culture and exposure to a broad range of complex litigation matters.