Of Counsel — Tort & Insurance Defense

Position Overview

Our client is adding an Of Counsel attorney to its Tort & Insurance Defense group. You'd own cases from the start; this seat comes with real courtroom time right away — depositions, motions, hearings, the whole arc of a matter from first read to resolution — plus the latitude to shape strategy yourself rather than execute someone else's plan. The group leans on senior litigators to think several moves ahead: assessing risk early, building a discovery and expert strategy that holds up, and knowing when to push toward trial versus when to steer toward resolution. There's also a teaching component baked in — junior associates will be looking to you for guidance on writing and strategy, so part of the job is building the next tier of the team, not just carrying your own matters. One thing to know going in: when something serious happens — a major incident, a client in crisis — this group responds fast, which means some real-time availability outside the usual rhythm of a docket. What matters most is a decade-plus of real defense-side tort and insurance litigation under your belt.

What You'll Be Doing

Handling depositions, oral arguments, and court appearances across state and federal court

Building out litigation strategy from the earliest stage of a matter — risk calls, case assessment, resolution planning

Writing and arguing the substantive motions — dispositive work, appeals, complex memoranda

Working alongside partners to shape case strategy and keep client service sharp

Running discovery end to end, including e-discovery and expert witness strategy

Being on point when something urgent hits — meeting with clients directly and moving fast on a defense

Coaching junior associates on strategy, writing, and their broader development

Balancing several high-stakes matters at once without losing quality on any of them

What You Bring

A J.D. from an accredited school, strong academics behind it

Admission to the NY Bar (must-have); NJ Bar is a nice-to-have

10+ years litigating, with real depth in tort and insurance defense, particularly property damage matters

Real reps across depositions, motions, mediation, arbitration, and direct client counseling

A proven ability to run big, complicated litigation solo, start to finish

Strong instincts for managing multiple priorities and client relationships under pressure

Sharp research, writing, & negotiation