Senior Commercial Litigation Attorney

Bernard Nickels & Associates; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Bernard Nickels & Associates in New York is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Litigation Attorney to independently manage sophisticated commercial matters and supervise associates and staff. The role involves building strong client relationships and providing strategic guidance across partnership and shareholder disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and complex contracts.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record in business and commercial defense litigation and can thrive in a

Qualifications

• Significant commercial litigation experience representing businesses and business owners.
• Strong background in business and commercial defense litigation.
• Labor and employment defense experience is highly preferred.
• Experience representing hospitality, restaurant, real estate, or family-office clients is a plus.
• Ability to independently manage sophisticated matters from inception through resolution.
• Previous experience managing, delegating to, and supervising attorneys and legal staff.
• Strong legal writing, communication, client-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgment and a professional, approachable demeanor.
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative law firm environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial and business litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Represent businesses and business owners in partnership and shareholder disputes.
• Handle breach of fiduciary duty claims, contract disputes, and other commercial litigation.
• Manage employment-related litigation, including discrimination, ADA, and wage-and-hour matters.
• Advise clients on business-related legal issues and serve in an outside/general counsel capacity when appropriate.
• Independently manage client relationships, case strategy, deadlines, and day-to-day case activity.
• Delegate work to and supervise associates and legal staff.
• Train and mentor junior attorneys and team members.
• Collaborate with firm leadership and attorneys across the practice.
• Maintain strong client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the firm.

Job description

Schedule: Hybrid – 4 days in office / 1 day remote

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

Our client, a growing New York law firm representing businesses and business owners, is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Litigation Attorney to join its team.

This is a senior-level opportunity for an attorney who can independently manage sophisticated commercial matters, build and maintain strong client relationships, and effectively supervise associates and legal staff.

The firm represents a diverse client base that includes small to mid-sized businesses, hospitality and restaurant groups, real estate companies, and family offices.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial and business litigation matters from inception through resolution
• Represent businesses and business owners in partnership and shareholder disputes
• Handle breach of fiduciary duty claims, contract disputes, and other commercial litigation
• Manage employment-related litigation, including discrimination, ADA, and wage-and-hour matters
• Advise clients on business-related legal issues and serve in an outside/general counsel capacity when appropriate
• Independently manage client relationships, case strategy, deadlines, and day-to-day case activity
• Delegate work to and supervise associates and legal staff
• Train and mentor junior attorneys and team members
• Collaborate with firm leadership and attorneys across the practice
• Maintain strong client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the firm

Qualifications

• Significant commercial litigation experience representing businesses and business owners
• Strong background in business and commercial defense litigation
• Labor and employment defense experience is highly preferred
• Experience representing hospitality, restaurant, real estate, or family-office clients is a plus
• Ability to independently manage sophisticated matters from inception through resolution
• Previous experience managing, delegating to, and supervising attorneys and legal staff
• Strong legal writing, communication, client-management, and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment and a professional, approachable demeanor
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative law firm environment

Candidates currently working within an established boutique, mid-sized, or larger law firm environment are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will be accustomed to working within a structured legal team and understand effective delegation, supervision, and collaboration.

Candidates coming directly from solo practices may be considered if they can demonstrate significant experience managing attorneys and staff within a structured team environment.

An existing book of business or portable client relationships would be a significant plus but is not required.

The firm operates on a four-day in-office / one-day remote hybrid schedule. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday generally serve as core in-office days, with the additional remote day coordinated monthly to maintain appropriate office coverage.

The attorney will work from the firm’s New York City and Queens offices.

The firm is looking to move quickly and is prepared to interview qualified candidates immediately.