Senior Trial Attorney (First Chair)

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Trial Attorney to try cases first chair in New York State and federal courts. This is not a settlement-desk role. You will own a docket of high-exposure matters from the moment they are trial-ready through verdict, and you will be measured on the results you obtain in front of juries.

The right candidate has already stood up and delivered openings, crossed defense experts, and taken verdicts. You will work alongside a case management team that handles intake, treatment coordination, and pre-suit negotiation so that your time is spent where it creates the most value: in depositions, in motion practice, and in the courtroom. You will also serve as a force multiplier, mentoring associates who are building toward their own first chairs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Try cases to verdict. Serve as first chair on jury and bench trials in New York Supreme Court and, where applicable, federal court — voir dire through verdict.
• Own a trial-ready docket. Manage a caseload of high-value matters, setting and executing the litigation strategy for each from trial assignment through resolution.
• Drive discovery and motion practice. Take and defend depositions of parties, treating physicians, and retained experts; draft and argue dispositive and in limine motions; handle preliminary conferences, compliance conferences, and appearances before the court.
• Build the trial record. Identify, retain, and prepare expert witnesses; develop damages models and demonstrative evidence; prepare witnesses and clients for testimony.
• Evaluate and negotiate. Assess liability, damages, and settlement posture with candor; represent the firm at mediations, settlement conferences, and framed-issue proceedings; make disciplined recommendations on when to try and when to resolve.
• Mentor and supervise. Second-chair and train associate attorneys, review their work product, and help develop the next generation of trial lawyers within the firm.
• Protect the client relationship. Communicate clearly and consistently with clients about case posture, risk, and expectations throughout the litigation.
• Maintain professional standards. Comply with all New York Rules of Professional Conduct, court rules, and firm policies, including timely case reporting and accurate file documentation.

REQUIRED

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and admission in good standing to the New York State Bar.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of civil litigation experience, with substantial time in a trial-focused role.
• A verifiable record of cases tried to verdict as first chair or lead second chair.
• Demonstrated command of the CPLR, New York trial practice, and the New York rules of evidence.
• Extensive deposition experience, including experts and adverse medical witnesses.
• Strong written advocacy — motions, briefs, and trial memoranda that do not require rewriting.
• Sound judgment on case valuation and the ability to make defensible try-or-settle recommendations.
• Willingness to travel to courthouses throughout the New York metropolitan area and, as needed, upstate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Plaintiff-side personal injury experience, including motor vehicle, premises liability, construction (Labor Law §§ 200, 240, 241), and catastrophic injury matters.
• Verdicts or settlements in excess of policy limits, or in the seven figures.
• Familiarity with New York No-Fault practice and lien resolution.
• Conversational or fluent Spanish, or experience serving a bilingual client base.
• Experience supervising or training junior litigators.
• Membership in NYSTLA, AAJ, or comparable trial bar organizations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Collaborative, growth-oriented team environment
• Medical, dental & vision
• Hospital plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Company paid Basic Life and AD&D as well as voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Company paid short and long-term disability
• Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid time off and paid holidays

The Ward Law Group is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at The Ward Law Group via email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from The Ward Law Group HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of The Ward Law Group. No fee will be paid if the candidate is hired by The Ward Law Group as a result of the referral or by other means.

At The Ward Law Group, we recognize our people are our strength. We are an equal opportunity (M/F/Disability/Veterans) and consider all applications without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. We value our people and their diverse perspectives, and are committed to fostering an environment where they can bring their whole selves to work.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment is contingent upon verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States. All persons hired will be required to complete Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation as required by law.

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