Pay: $130,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Why This Is a Great Opportunity
- Take true ownership of sophisticated civil defense matters from inception through trial and appeal
- Step into a role built for an attorney who genuinely enjoys being in the courtroom
- Serve as first-chair trial counsel and directly shape litigation and trial strategy
- Handle a diverse caseload involving insurance defense, general liability, professional liability, product liability, construction litigation, and other complex defense matters
- Work with experienced attorneys in a collaborative, modern environment that values autonomy and strong legal judgment
- Excellent opportunity for an accomplished litigator who wants meaningful responsibility without needing to bring a portable book of business
- Strong benefits, professional development, and long-term growth opportunities
Location
Greater New York City area. Hybrid flexibility with regular in-person court appearances, hearings, depositions, trials, and other case-related responsibilities throughout the NYC and Downstate New York market.
Note
Candidates must be admitted to the New York Bar and have actual first-chair civil trial experience. This is not a trial-preparation-only role. We are looking for an attorney who has personally taken the lead in the courtroom.
About Us
Confidential Employer. We are a growing civil defense law firm representing sophisticated clients in complex litigation matters. Our team combines strong trial advocacy with a collaborative, practical, and technology-forward approach to client service. We give experienced attorneys the autonomy to lead cases while providing the resources and support needed to succeed.
Job Description
- Manage civil defense litigation matters from inception through resolution, trial, and appeal
- Serve as first-chair counsel in jury and bench trials
- Develop and execute case strategy in close coordination with clients and internal teams
- Conduct depositions, witness examinations, investigations, and discovery
- Draft and argue dispositive motions, pleadings, trial briefs, and other substantive filings
- Appear at court conferences, hearings, oral arguments, and trials
- Evaluate exposure, develop defense strategies, and negotiate settlements when appropriate
- Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and strategic counsel
- Collaborate with partners, associates, paralegals, and support professionals on complex matters
Qualifications
- Active New York State Bar admission
- 3+ years of civil defense litigation experience
- 5+ years of litigation experience strongly preferred
- First-chair civil trial experience required
- Experience with insurance defense, general liability, professional liability, product liability, construction litigation, or similar defense matters
- Strong deposition, motion practice, legal writing, and courtroom skills
- Ability to independently manage matters and a substantial caseload
Why You Will Love Working Here
- Real courtroom and trial responsibility
- Autonomy over meaningful, sophisticated cases
- Collaborative team without unnecessary layers
- Diverse litigation that keeps the work interesting
- Flexible work environment
- Strong professional development and advancement opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits and retirement offerings.
JPC-1751
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Requirements: Must-have: NY bar license, 3+ yrs civil defense litigation exp, must have first-chair civil trial exp
- Additional context: Relocation- [no], Packages - [no],
Salary Bands (Only if attorney role): - 3 to 5 years: $130K to $150K
- 6 to 9 years: $150K to $175K
- 10+ years: $175K to $200K
Submission Email:Emily - candidates@gerberciano.com
Quick Recruiter Reference
NYC hybrid defense litigation role for a NY-admitted attorney with 3+ years of civil defense litigation and first-chair civil trial experience. Ideal candidate is a courtroom-ready defense litigator who can independently manage cases, handle motions, depositions, and trials, and communicate directly with clients.
Recruiters Submission: To submit, cancel - Trial Attorney: Defense Litigation (First Chair) - Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP - JPC- 1751 - source
- New Job Order Alert
Client job title: Trial Attorney: Defense Litigation (First Chair) - Location: New York, NY
- On-site, hybrid, remote: Hybrid
- Experience: 3+
Good fit job titles/keywords for candidates: First Chair Defense Trial Attorney, Insurance Defense Trial Attorney, Defense Litigation Attorney, Civil Litigation Attorney, Trial Counsel, Senior Trial Attorney, Personal Injury Defense Attorney, General Liability Attorney - of hires needed: 1