Defense Litigation Associate Attorney - Mass Torts (Asbestos)

Harris Beach Murtha•Uniondale, NY

7d•$125,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Harris Beach Murtha is seeking a Defense Litigation Associate Attorney to join its Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation team, with a focus on the firm’s national asbestos defense practice. The associate will represent defendants across a variety of industries in state and federal courts nationwide, working with experienced attorneys across multiple offices on sophisticated toxic tort matters. The work is collaborative and fast-paced, offering hands-on responsibility and involvement in litigation strategy. The position may be based in one or several of the firm’s New York offices and is hybrid. The firm requires a minimum of 1,900 billable hours annually. The role includes managing litigation tasks, preparing legal and client-facing materials, and representing clients in court proceedings. The salary range depends on relevant experience and geographic location: $125,000–$185,000 in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Rochester (Pittsford), and Syracuse; $140,000–$185,000 in Long Island (Uniondale) and White Plains; and $145,000–$185,000 in NYC. Harris Beach Murtha offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings and flexible spending account options; life and disability insurance; a retirement plan including 401(k) and profit sharing; paid leave programs; employee assistance resources; commuter and parking benefits where applicable; and professional development opportunities. Benefit eligibility is subject to applicable plan terms and firm policies.

Requirements

At least 2 years of asbestos defense litigation experience.
Admission to the New York and New Jersey bars.
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
Demonstrated ability to rapidly absorb and analyze new information.
High level of professionalism, conscientiousness, and responsibility.
Positive, flexible, and cooperative attitude.
Meet the firm’s minimum annual billable requirement of 1,900 hours.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Zoom, MS Teams, and other video platforms used for depositions, court conferences, and hearings.
Military experience is welcome.

Responsibilities

Take and defend depositions of plaintiffs and fact witnesses.
Research legal, procedural, and scientific issues and collaborate with senior attorneys on litigation strategy.
Draft responsive pleadings, memoranda, briefs, and significant motions, including summary judgment and discovery motions.
Prepare client reports, including deposition reports, litigation status reports, and case analysis reports.
Represent clients at courtroom appearances, including oral argument of motions and discovery conferences, both in person and virtually.
Handle sophisticated, high-stakes litigation on behalf of long-standing clients.