Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

Overview

This role is for a Senior Counsel position on a Complex Trial Team in insurance defense and trial advocacy. The position involves leading high-exposure, complex matters from start to finish, including courtroom representation and strategic litigation planning.

An active bar license in the State of New York is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex trials and represent clients in high-exposure insurance defense matters, including cases involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability
• Develop and execute case strategies, including risk assessment, discovery planning, motion practice, and trial preparation
• Advise clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters by providing clear legal guidance, case assessments, and updates on case developments
• Manage all stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations
• Serve as lead counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations, presenting cases effectively and persuasively
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure high-quality work and compliance with best practices
• Collaborate with expert witnesses, including medical, forensic, engineering, and economic experts, to strengthen case arguments

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in New York and eligibility to practice in federal courts
• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation with a strong focus on complex trial work
• Demonstrated success as lead trial counsel in multiple high-stakes cases
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize a large, demanding caseload with limited oversight
• Exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills
• Strong client relationship management skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal strategies effectively
• Preferred background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases
• Experience with e-discovery tools and case management software
• Membership in local or national trial lawyer associations is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $150,000–$200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• Annual billable hours bonus:
  • $10,000, and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier
• Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost (average annual employer contribution for health/vision/dental/life coverage is $700–$1,700)
• 401(k) program with:
  • 100% match on the first 3% contributed
  • 50% match on the following 4–5%
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm): $100–$200/month
• Paid parental leave at base pay
• Monthly technology reimbursement: $60

Additional Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate
• Comprehensive in-house training and leadership development opportunities
• Firm-provided CLE programs and paid bar license renewal fees
• Flexible vacation policy for attorneys
• Defined pathway to partnership
• Internal diversity and inclusion programs, such as the Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative
• Firm-wide charitable giving program
• Numerous social and off-site events each year

Location

Office-based, hybrid, or remote options are available.

Equal Opportunity / Notice

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

Applicants/employees are also notified that the firm collects certain information about you, and to refer to the firm’s provided policies document for more information.

No recruiters/agencies.