Commercial Litigation Associate - New York, NY

Commercial Litigation · 5–7 Years · NY Bar Required

The hardest transition for a commercial litigator occurs between years five and seven. In many large firms, this is where advancement stalls, and senior associates find themselves stuck managing doc review or drafting briefs for partners to argue. We are representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a mid-to-senior litigation associate for their Manhattan office who is ready to run files, cross-examine witnesses, and take a primary role in high-stakes business disputes. If you have built a strong procedural foundation and want a transparent path toward partnership with genuine courtroom exposure, this platform provides that strategic leap.

The Work

This role spans a sophisticated mix of general commercial litigation, with distinct opportunities to lead complex matters within the real estate and financial services sectors. You will not be tucked away in a back room; you will actively direct case strategy from inception through resolution across both New York State and federal courts. This includes drafting and arguing dispositive motions, managing expert and fact discovery, and taking and defending key depositions. For candidates looking to elevate their advocacy, the firm actively paths associates toward first-chair trial exposure and direct client management rather than keeping them behind a partner-level buffer.

Who This Is For

You are a New York-admitted litigator with five to seven years of experience, ideally coming from a large law firm or an elite litigation boutique. You have a stellar academic track record, exceptional writing skills, and a strong comfort level handling advanced deposition practice.

• The Funnel Hook: While a traditional big-law commercial litigation background is highly valued, we welcome conversations with high-caliber white-collar defense or financial regulatory associates who want to pivot their skills into a broader, commercial trial-ready practice. Similarly, if your experience is heavily weighted toward general business torts but you want to specialize deeply in high-value New York real estate and finance disputes, this role provides the necessary infrastructure and mentorship to bridge that gap.

The Platform

You will join a top-tier national firm known for balancing its expansive global footprint with an entrepreneurial, low-bureaucracy management style. The firm is recognized for avoiding the hyper-leveraged "up or out" associate model, choosing instead to invest in long-term professional development and client origination training early. You will work within a collaborative, highly respected New York team where commercial pragmatism is prioritized over rigid face-time requirements.

Why New York City

Litigating commercial and real estate matters in Manhattan places you at the epicenter of the legal market. The complexity of the New York courts demands an elite level of practice, meaning the credentials and standalone experience you solidify here will firmly establish your long-term market value.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $250,000 to $280,000, dependent on your exact class year, credentials, and depth of relevant experience. The firm also provides a comprehensive, competitive benefits package standard for a premier national law firm platform, including:

• Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm profit-sharing contributions
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and comprehensive parental leave policies
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Dedicated annual budget for professional development, bar association dues, and CLE tracking

Apply in Confidence

This search is being conducted with strict confidentiality. If you are examining the market or looking to evaluate your current trajectory, we invite you to a low-friction conversation. Your identity, resume, and current employment status will remain entirely protected and will never be shared with the hiring firm-or any third party-without your explicit, advance permission.

Please reach out directly to arrange a confidential discussion.

Confirm before publishing

• Inferences Made: The original text states that "trial experience is a plus but not required" and that the ideal candidate has experience "arguing motions" and taking "expert depositions." For a 5–7 year associate, I inferred that the primary career motivator is transitioning into primary file management and getting closer to first-chair trial work. I also inferred an "Am Law 100" descriptor based on the $250k–$280k salary scale for a mid-to-senior associate position outside of a pure elite boutique.
• Commitment Risks: The benefits list is a representative market-standard package for a major law firm tier to protect firm anonymity. While it aligns with what a national firm of this profile provides, the precise mechanics of their specific profit-sharing matching or leave policies must be verified during initial candidate intake.
• Anonymity Concerns: Low Risk. General commercial litigation for a 5–7 year associate in New York City with a $250k–$280k band is a massive talent market. While the mention of "real estate and finance matters preferred" adds a helpful layer of context, it remains broad enough to fit dozens of large, national, or regional defense firms in Manhattan without pointing directly to one specific entity.