Litigation Associate Attorney

Job Overview:

A law firm in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Litigation Associate Attorney with 3-5 years of experience to join its litigation team. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, legal advocacy, and writing skills, with a preference for candidates who have Federal Court experience. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated self-starter to gain immediate client contact and develop their litigation practice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Handle all aspects of litigation from inception through trial, including drafting pleadings, motions, and legal briefs.
• Conduct legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and prepare memoranda on various matters.
• Manage discovery processes, including taking and defending depositions, issuing subpoenas, and reviewing and producing documents.
• Represent clients in state and federal courts, including attending hearings, trials, and mediations.
• Engage in settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Maintain and manage client relationships through regular communication and providing strategic legal advice.
• Collaborate with partners, fellow associates, and support staff to ensure effective case management.
• Stay informed about legal developments, precedents, and trends that may affect clients' cases.
• Handle a diverse range of cases in areas including commercial litigation, contract disputes, and torts.
• Provide direct, strategic counsel to clients, ensuring alignment with their goals and interests.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years of litigation experience, preferably including Federal Court experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong focus on legal advocacy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and develop creative legal strategies.
• Must be a self-starter, with the ability to manage cases independently while collaborating with the broader legal team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to engage in direct client contact and foster strong attorney-client relationships.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active New York Bar license (required).

Skills:

• Strong legal writing and advocacy skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software.
• Ability to manage and lead all aspects of case handling.
• Effective time management and multitasking abilities.

Benefits:

• Highmark BCBS PPO/POS plans, with 4 medical plan options including 2 HDHP/HSA-qualified plans.
• Dental plan with orthodontic coverage.
• Vision plan.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Paid time off (PTO) inclusive of vacation, sick, and personal leave.
• 401(k) with guaranteed safe harbor contribution plus profit sharing.
• Term Life and AD&D insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Additional voluntary benefits such as specified disease, hospital, and accident plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including mental health support.
• Legal work discount program.

This firm maintains offices in Buffalo and Albany, New York. This large firm has over sixty attorneys, and the firm's hiring philosophy is to hire attorneys with unique and nontraditional experience. The firm's basic practice areas are business law, finance, banking, and commercial real estate. These areas branch out and include mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, securities, labor and employment, business litigation, medical malpractice defense, trusts, estate law, immigration, franchising, environment and energy law, private equity, and family businesses.