The Discovery Attorney will also lead and supervise the firm's discovery paralegal team, collaborating closely with assigned attorneys, the litigation operations manager, and the managing partner.
This role is primarily behind-the-scenes, focusing on detailed document discovery and written legal advocacy rather than client contact, depositions, or regular court appearances (except in emergency coverage situations). While not client-facing, we view this position as vital to our success, providing a highly strategic, value-adding contribution that directly drives case advancement. The role is designed as a full-time, dedicated position, allowing the Discovery Attorney to work without the interruptions created by client calls, court appearances, and depositions, ensuring that complex discovery responses, demands, and motions to compel/strike can be completed efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee the document discovery process on all firm cases between RJI and Note of Issue, ensuring compliance with deadlines and procedural rules.
- Serve thorough and timely "BP Packs" (Bill of Particulars, Response to Combined Demands, Plaintiff Combined Demands, and Demand for Bill of Particulars as to Affirmative Defenses) within 20 days of receipt of a defendant's Answer.
- Draft, review, and finalize discovery responses and demands that are complete, appropriately tailored, and legally sound pursuant to CPLR Article 31 and related caselaw.
- Assert and preserve proper objections to discovery requests that are overbroad, irrelevant, duplicative, or outside the scope of permissible discovery, supported by caselaw where necessary.
- Collaborate with assigned attorneys and discovery paralegals to ensure all discovery obligations are met promptly, minimizing delays caused by the downstate court system or defense carriers' litigation tactics, and actively advancing our clients' cases through the litigation process.
- Oversee follow-up and discovery motion practice related to outstanding discovery issues, coordinating with assigned attorneys as necessary.
- Develop and refine internal discovery protocols and templates to promote consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
- Train and mentor discovery paralegals on best practices, quality control, and procedural standards.
- Continuously monitor workflow bottlenecks and identify opportunities for procedural improvement.
- J.D. and admission to the New York State Bar (in good standing).
- 5+ years of litigation experience at a New York plaintiff personal injury law firm, including extensive hands-on discovery experience.
- Deep and practical understanding of CPLR Article 31, related case law, and what is and is not discoverable.
- Exceptional legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and methodical, with a strong ability to manage deadlines and multiple cases simultaneously.
- Highly proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment while maintaining ownership and accountability for assigned tasks.
- Content and motivated in a non-courtroom, discovery-focused attorney role.