About this position
Job Description
Job Description
Position: Medical Malpractice Defense Trial Attorney
Client: Medical Malpractice Defense Firm
Location: Somerville, NJ – Hybrid flexible
Job Type: Full-time
The Role
We are seeking a first-chair (or strong second-chair stepping to first) Medical Malpractice Trial Attorney to take cases from intake through verdict. You will own strategy, manage discovery and experts, lead dispositive and in-limine motion practice, and try cases to a jury. You’ll also mentor associates and partner with clients and carriers to drive results and predictability.
What You’ll Do:
· Lead the case lifecycle: early case assessment, strategy memos, budgets, and trial plans.
· Discovery & experts: take/defend depositions (parties, fact witnesses, 30(b)(6), experts); retain, prepare, and examine medical experts across specialties.
· Motion practice: summary judgment; motions in limine; evidentiary challenges; trial briefs; post-trial motions.
· Trial: jury selection, openings/closings, direct/cross (fact & expert), charge conferences, verdict preservation.
· Client & carrier interface: regular, outcomes-focused updates; reserves input; mediation/ADR strategy; early resolution when it serves the client.
· Team leadership: supervise associates and paralegals; enforce checklists, SLAs, and quality control.
· Ethics & compliance: conflicts, billing hygiene, and file management consistent with carrier guidelines.
What Success Looks Like (6–12 Months):
· Tries or meaningfully co-tries 2–3 matters/year OR moves trial-set matters to favorable resolution within budget.
· Delivers on-time, guideline-compliant reports and budgets with <5% write-offs.
· Builds a trusted rapport with at least 3–5 provider clients and carrier adjusters.
· Coaches 1–2 associates to take independent depos/oral arguments.
Qualifications:
· New Jersey bar required (in good standing). New York bar a plus.
· 3+ years of litigation experience with meaningful med-mal defense exposure; first-chair trial experience strongly preferred (will consider high-level second-chair ready to step up).
· Demonstrated excellence with medical experts, complex causation, damages analysis, and high-stakes motion practice.
· Strong writing and courtroom skills; calm under pressure; impeccable judgment and professionalism.
· Organized, proactive, and business-minded about budgets, reserves, and outcomes.
Nice-to-Haves:
· Prior carrier-panel experience and guideline familiarity.
· Experience in related areas (nursing home, licensure/board matters, credentialing/peer review).
· Med-related background (nursing, EMT, biomedical science) or comfort across multiple specialties.
Compensation & Benefits:
· Competitive salary, performance bonuses; partner-track available for the right candidate.
· Medical/dental/vision, 401(k), PTO, CLE/bar dues, and trial-support resources and more.
· Hybrid work after onboarding; modern tech stack and paralegal support.
· Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Location and commute
39 Division St, Somerville, NJ 8876.
Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.
How to apply
Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3008425790.