Associate Attorney – US Bankruptcy Litigation at Kerner Norland (India)

Kerner Norland, a legal staffing and litigation support firm, has opened applications for the position of Associate Attorney – US Bankruptcy Litigation to be based in India. This is not a traditional law firm role; it is a cross-border, contract-based opportunity where Indian-qualified lawyers with strong commercial litigation backgrounds work as integrated members of a New York-based law firm's litigation team. The role focuses on defending clients in adversary proceedings involving preference and fraudulent transfer claims under the United States Bankruptcy Code. For ambitious litigation lawyers in India, this position offers a rare gateway into the lucrative world of US bankruptcy practice without leaving the country.

Why This US Bankruptcy Litigation Role Is a Career-Defining Move

The globalised legal market has opened extraordinary doors for Indian lawyers, and this role sits at the intersection of international litigation and remote legal services. Bankruptcy litigation, particularly in the United States, is a high-stakes practice area that demands precision, strategic thinking, and deep knowledge of statutory provisions. Preference actions and fraudulent transfer claims are among the most complex and heavily contested matters in US insolvency law. By joining Kerner Norland's dedicated team, you are not merely taking on a job; you are gaining specialised expertise that is scarce in the Indian legal ecosystem and highly valued by US law firms, LPOs, and multinational corporations.

The role is explicitly designed for lawyers who want to move beyond routine drafting and research. It requires independent case management, sophisticated brief writing, and the ability to think like a US litigator. Successful candidates will become indispensable to the supervising U.S. attorneys, handling matters from the complaint stage through settlement or summary judgment. This level of responsibility, combined with remote collaboration, offers a steep learning curve and a compelling addition to any legal resume.

This is not a paralegal or legal research role. The successful candidate will function as an integrated member of the firm's litigation team, independently managing assigned matters under the supervision of licensed U.S. attorneys.

Breaking Down the Core Responsibilities: Beyond Complaint-to-Resolution

The job posting outlines a comprehensive set of responsibilities that go far beyond typical litigation support. You will be expected to manage adversary proceedings end-to-end, which means you must be comfortable with the entire lifecycle of a US bankruptcy dispute. Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting answers, affirmative defenses, motions to dismiss, and summary judgment motions that are ready for filing after supervisory review.
• Preparing discovery requests and responses, settlement agreements, demand letters, mediation statements, and internal legal memoranda.
• Analysing trustee complaints and preparing litigation strategy memoranda that guide the U.S. attorneys' approach.
• Conducting legal research on 11 U.S.C. §547 (Preference Actions), §548 (Fraudulent Transfers), Section 550 recovery actions, and key defenses such as Ordinary Course, Subsequent New Value, and Contemporaneous Exchange.
• Monitoring case dockets using PACER, reviewing court filings, and maintaining electronic case files.
• Preparing deposition outlines, exhibit lists, and witness preparation materials.
• Drafting client correspondence and litigation status reports, and coordinating with local counsel and opposing counsel.
• Ensuring strict Bluebook citation compliance on all legal filings.

Each of these tasks requires not only legal knowledge but also exceptional organisational ability. Managing multiple matters simultaneously while adhering to US court deadlines is a demanding task that will sharpen your project management and professional judgment. The exposure to PACER, Westlaw, LexisNexis, and iManage will make you proficient in the exact tools used by US law firms—an asset that significantly boosts your employability in the global legal market.

What Kerner Norland Demands: Eligibility and Experience Benchmarks

The mandatory qualifications are clear and non-negotiable. Candidates must hold an LLB or JD-equivalent qualification from a recognized common-law jurisdiction. Admission as an Attorney-at-Law is preferred but not strictly mandatory. The role is not for freshers; you need a minimum of 3–5 years of post-qualification experience in commercial or civil litigation. This requirement ensures that applicants already possess the drafting and advocacy instincts necessary to handle complex US bankruptcy matters.

The job posting also emphasises excellent legal drafting, strong legal research skills, and the ability to independently manage multiple matters. If you have spent years in Indian trial courts or high courts handling commercial disputes, you already have a strong foundation. However, you must be willing to unlearn the procedural nuances of Indian litigation and adapt to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and the local rules of the relevant US bankruptcy courts.

The Preferred Candidate Profile: How to Stand Out with US Litigation Exposure

While mandatory qualifications get you through the door, the preferred criteria are what truly separate strong candidates. Kerner Norland is looking for lawyers with experience supporting U.S. law firms in commercial litigation, bankruptcy litigation, preference actions, fraudulent transfer litigation, or legal process outsourcing (LPO). This is a clear signal that the firm values candidates who already understand the rhythm of US litigation workflows.

Technical proficiency is equally important. Experience using PACER, Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bluebook citation format is highly preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and document management systems like iManage is also a plus. If you lack direct experience with these tools, consider investing time in online tutorials or taking certifications before applying. Upskilling in these areas demonstrates proactive commitment and makes your application significantly more competitive.

Also note the preferred candidate profile mentions cross-border legal process outsourcing, international law firms, and legal research & drafting. If you have worked with foreign clients or in an offshore legal services environment, highlight those experiences prominently in your CV. Your ability to communicate clearly with US attorneys and maintain confidentiality under strict data security protocols is critical.

Working Arrangement and What It Means for Your Practice

The working arrangement is explicitly remote and dedicated: you will be a dedicated resource supporting a single U.S. law firm. Daily communication with U.S. attorneys will happen via Microsoft Teams or Telegram. All work product is reviewed by supervising U.S. attorneys before filing, which provides a safety net but also means you must deliver high-quality drafts consistently. There are no court appearances or direct legal advice to clients, so you will not need a US bar license, but you will be held to professional standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and deadline management.

This setup is essentially a hybrid between a traditional law firm associate and a specialised LPO consultant. It offers the best of both worlds: the intellectual challenge of US litigation and the flexibility of remote work from India. You will gain unparalleled insight into how US firms strategise, draft, and negotiate—knowledge that can later open doors to in-house roles, US LLM programs, or positions with global law firms operating in India.

Do not underestimate the value of this experience. US bankruptcy litigation is a niche practice area with a global demand. Every motion you draft, every research memo you write, and every PACER filing you monitor will build a portfolio that demonstrates your readiness for senior roles in cross-border practice.

How to Apply and Position Yourself for This Role

The application process is managed through LinkedIn. The original job posting can be accessed via the direct LinkedIn link, and interested candidates should apply through that platform. The hiring contact is Neha Sharma, Human Resource at Kerner Norland. While no explicit email address is provided, you can reach out via LinkedIn messaging if you want to make a proactive connection. There is no application deadline mentioned in the listing, so you should apply as soon as possible—the posting states it was live two days ago and has already received 31 applicants.

Before applying, tailor your CV to reflect the keywords from the job description. Use phrases such as "US bankruptcy litigation," "preference actions," "fraudulent transfer," "adversary proceedings," "PACER," and "Bluebook citation" where relevant. Quantify your litigation experience: number of matters handled, motions drafted, or research memos prepared. A well-structured CV that mirrors the job requirements will pass both human and ATS screening. Also, prepare a brief cover letter explaining your interest in US bankruptcy law and your experience with remote collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US law license to apply for this Associate Attorney position?

No, the role does not require a US law license. The job posting explicitly states that there will be no court appearances or direct legal advice to clients. An LLB or JD-equivalent from a recognized common-law jurisdiction is sufficient. Admission as an Attorney-at-Law is preferred but not mandatory.

Is this a work-from-home opportunity?

Yes, the position is based in India and appears to be fully remote. The working arrangement specifies daily communication with U.S. attorneys via Microsoft Teams or Telegram, and there is no requirement to be physically present in the United States or India. However, you should confirm the exact remote policy with the recruiter during the interview.

What is the typical career progression after this role?

This role is an excellent stepping stone for careers in US bankruptcy law, cross-border litigation, and legal process outsourcing. Successful candidates often move into senior litigation associate roles at international law firms, in-house counsel positions at fintechs or insolvency-focused companies, or pursue LLM programs in the US. The specialised knowledge of preference and fraudulent transfer litigation is highly sought after.

Can I apply with only 2 years of experience?

The job clearly requires a minimum of 3–5 years of post-qualification experience. If you have less than three years, your application is unlikely to be considered. In such cases, consider applying for litigation support or junior associate roles first, and gain more exposure to commercial litigation before targeting this position.