Litigation Associate

About the Role

Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP is seeking an associate attorney with 3‑5 years of litigation experience to support the firm’s defense practice. This position offers an opportunity for a litigator to take on a significant role handling complex matters in a collaborative, forward‑thinking law firm environment. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in defense litigation and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, along with meaningful courtroom experience. Candidates should ideally come from a background handling matters such as insurance defense, professional liability, product liability, labor law, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, or general liability, though experience in all areas is not required. The role requires initiative, sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of New Jersey defense litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Draft legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and legal memoranda.
• Conduct legal research and prepare comprehensive reports and legal analyses.
• Participate in and lead court conferences, depositions, hearings, and trial proceedings as appropriate.
• Manage case strategy and deadlines while ensuring compliance with client and carrier guidelines.
• Maintain accurate time records and billing entries.

Required Skills / Qualifications

• 3‑5 years of litigation experience, preferably in a law firm setting.
• Experience in defense litigation, ideally involving insurance defense, professional liability, product liability, labor law, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, or general liability.
• Admission to practice in New Jersey (additional bar admissions in NY, CT, or PA are a plus).
• Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, professionalism, and a demonstrated work ethic.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines consistently.
• Trial experience is a plus.
• Federal court or appellate experience is a plus, but not required.

Why Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP

At Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady, we’re building something different. We believe in a new legal services model — one unrestrained by the traditional billable hour and driven instead by exceptional client service, innovative technology, creativity, efficiency, and unparalleled value. Our mission is to create a community of legal service providers who are passionate about what they do and committed to doing it better. We approach our work through teamwork, continuous process improvement, alternative service models, and cutting‑edge technology. While professional licensing requires us to be a law firm, nothing says we have to act like one.

Our team is composed of diverse individuals from a wide range of socio‑economic, cultural, geographic, and educational backgrounds — and we believe that diversity of perspective is one of our greatest strengths.

Our Values

• We put our people first and communicate openly.
• We share goals, success, and accountability — no individual agendas.
• We treat everyone with respect and humility.
• We maximize every opportunity, embrace change, and always look for yes.
• We nurture creativity, growth, and a little weirdness.

Professional Growth & Career Development

We are deeply committed to the growth and development of every member of our team. At GCKB, professional development isn’t a perk — it’s a priority. We invest in our people through ongoing learning opportunities, mentorship, and a culture that actively supports each team member in pursuing their individual career goals. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, expand your skill set, or grow into new responsibilities, we want to help you get there. In areas involving litigation, we are a trial firm and are committed to investing in training the next generation of trial lawyers.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience and skill set, and comes with a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, 401(k) with a generous vested match, flexible work options, and paid time off.