Litigation Attorney (Insurance Defense) Hybrid, Buffalo, NY

About the role

Russo & Gould, LLP is a well-established and growing litigation practice seeking an Associate Attorney with 3-7 years of insurance defense experience to join its collaborative legal team. This hybrid position offers the opportunity to handle a sophisticated and varied caseload while maintaining flexibility and work-life balance. The ideal candidate will have experience managing matters from inception through resolution, including depositions, court appearances, arbitrations, and trial preparation. Trial experience is a plus. Candidates should be comfortable handling matters throughout the Buffalo, New York region.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload involving insurance defense litigation, including automobile liability, premises liability, general tort litigation, and insurance coverage disputes
• Conduct and defend depositions
• Appear in state and federal courts for conferences, motions, and hearings
• Represent clients during arbitrations, mediations, and trials
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, discovery responses, briefs, and other legal documents
• Evaluate cases and develop strategic litigation plans
• Negotiate settlements and facilitate efficient dispute resolution
• Communicate regularly with clients, claims professionals, and opposing counsel
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal support staff to achieve favorable outcomes

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in New York (or ability to obtain admission promptly)
• 3–7 years of litigation experience, preferably in insurance defense

Skills

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Experience handling depositions and court appearances independently
• Excellent organizational and case management abilities
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Trial experience preferred but not required

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Profit sharing
• Generous PTO
• Collaborative and supportive team culture
• Exposure to a broad range of complex litigation matters

Pay

$115,000 – $165,000 annually

Schedule

Hybrid work environment with scheduling flexibility.