Defense Litigation Attorney - General & Premises Liability

Position: Defense Litigation Attorney

General & Premises Liability An established Long Island defense practice is looking for a trial-ready attorney to own complex civil matters end-to-end - from intake through verdict - with the autonomy and compensation ($180k-$220k) that reflects that responsibility.

NOTE: This position is HYBRID IN LONG ISLAND, NY

What you'll do:

• Manage a diverse caseload of general liability, premises liability, and construction defense matters from intake through disposition, developing litigation strategy at every stage
• Draft and argue pleadings, dispositive motions, motions in limine, and pretrial briefs; respond to discovery and prepare comprehensive legal memoranda
• Conduct and defend depositions; coordinate fact and expert discovery with engineering, safety, and construction experts to build and stress-test case theory
• Serve as first chair and second chair at jury and bench trials, handling examinations, courtroom advocacy, and jury arguments
• Negotiate settlements and represent clients at mediation, coordinating directly with claims handlers and corporate clients
• Mentor junior attorneys and paralegals, supporting professional development and efficient case management across the team

What you need

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active admission to the New York State Bar - 3+ years of civil defense litigation experience with hands-on exposure to general liability, premises liability, or construction matters
• Demonstrated trial experience, including at least one matter as second chair; first-chair experience strongly preferred
• Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills: pleadings, dispositive motions, and trial briefs
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload independently, meet court deadlines, and maintain accurate billing and docket compliance

Qualifications

• 5+ years handling general liability, premises liability, and construction defense matters
• Experience working with engineering, safety, or construction expert witnesses
• Familiarity with both state and federal civil procedure and evidence rules in New York
• Prior experience coordinating with insurance carriers and claims professionals

Pay & benefits

• $180,000-$220,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Location & schedule

• On-site: Melville, NY (Long Island) - Hybrid: 1-2 remote days per week after onboarding