Senior Litigation Attorney

DeCotiis, Fitz Patrick & Cole, LLP seeks an experienced civil litigator to take a leading role in complex matters for private businesses and public entities. Join our Litigation Practice Group in Paramus, New Jersey, to manage cases from initial strategy through trial and appeal, work directly with clients and partners, and mentor junior attorneys.

• Location: Paramus, New Jersey
• Employment: Full-time | Litigation Practice Group
• Annual base salary: $140,000–$160,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Experience: At least 10 years of substantive civil litigation experience
• Work flexibility: Hybrid/remote flexibility in accordance with Firm policy

This role offers substantial courtroom responsibility, direct client relationships, and a varied litigation practice within a mid-size, full-service New Jersey law firm. You will independently manage complex cases in New Jersey state and federal courts while collaborating with colleagues across practice groups.

Our matters span commercial litigation, public entity defense, labor and employment disputes, civil rights and constitutional law, environmental litigation, redevelopment, and land use. Substantive in-court experience is required; a portable book of business is welcome but not required.

• Lead complex civil litigation: Manage cases from inception through discovery, motion practice, trial, settlement, and appeal. Develop case strategy, identify key legal issues, and conduct or oversee legal research.
• Represent businesses and public entities: Handle commercial disputes, including breach of contract and commercial lease matters, as well as public entity defense and affirmative claims on behalf of government clients.
• Handle a broad range of public entity matters: Work on cases involving the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), civil rights, redevelopment and land use, eminent domain, real property taxation, and property liability.
• Manage discovery and depositions: Draft and oversee written discovery, including interrogatories, document requests, and requests for admission; conduct and defend fact and expert witness depositions.
• Advocate in court and on appeal: Draft and argue substantive motions, including summary judgment motions and motions in limine; serve as first- or second-chair counsel in civil jury and bench trials; prepare appellate briefs and handle appeals in state and federal courts.
• Resolve disputes: Represent clients in arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and mediations; evaluate settlement options and negotiate and draft settlement agreements.
• Build client relationships: Provide practical counsel on litigation risks, strategy, and case developments. Attend client meetings, including daytime and evening municipal and public entity meetings as required, and coordinate with co-counsel and opposing counsel.
• Mentor and collaborate: Supervise junior associates, review attorney and paralegal work product, and collaborate with partners on case strategy, staffing, workload, and litigation best practices.

• Education and admissions: J.D. from an accredited law school; admission in good standing to the New Jersey Bar and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
• Civil litigation experience: At least 10 years of substantive civil litigation experience in a law firm or government setting, including substantial practice in New Jersey state and federal courts.
• Courtroom advocacy: Demonstrated substantive in-court experience and experience drafting and arguing motions, including summary judgment motions.
• Case management and discovery: A proven record of independently managing complex litigation…