Medical Malpractice Defense Trial Attorney

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