Associate Attorney at Messner Reeves LLP, New York

Why This New York Litigation Associate Role Demands Your Attention

Messner Reeves LLP, a full-service business law firm with ten offices nationwide, is actively searching for an experienced litigation attorney to join its New York office. The position is officially titled Associate Attorney, but the work is firmly grounded in defense-side litigation. The firm hires across multiple practice areas, including general liability, personal injury, construction law, commercial litigation, insurance defense, professional liability, premises liability, and product liability. This is a fast-paced role for a lawyer who enjoys motion practice, discovery disputes, expert depositions, and direct client engagement.

For attorneys licensed in both New York and New Jersey, this opportunity offers a base pay range of $130,000 to $170,000 per year plus a robust benefits package. If you have three to five years of litigation experience and want to move into a firm with a national footprint, this role deserves serious consideration.

Inside the Role: Practice Areas and Daily Realities

The job description makes clear that Messner Reeves is hiring for several active litigation teams simultaneously. The successful candidate will have the chance to shape a diverse caseload while working alongside senior partners in any of the following areas:

• General Liability and Premises Liability
• Personal Injury Defense
• Construction Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Insurance Defense
• Professional Liability
• Product Liability

Daily responsibilities will likely include drafting pleadings and motions, responding to discovery demands, taking and defending depositions of parties and experts, preparing witnesses, attending court conferences, and collaborating with clients on strategy. The phrase extensive experience in all discovery phases is a strong signal that the firm wants an associate who can run cases autonomously from complaint through trial preparation. You will manage competing deadlines and drive results in a high-volume environment.

Messner Reeves LLP states: 'We consider our people an investment in our success. We're passionate about our work and eager to welcome new talent.'

Compensation and Benefits: More Than Just a Paycheck

The posted salary range of $130,000 to $170,000 places this associate position in line with comparable mid-level litigation roles in the New York market. The range reflects the firm's desire for candidates with meaningful experience who can contribute immediately. The benefits package adds real value: medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; life insurance; unlimited paid time off; a 401(k) retirement plan; paid parental leave; and a referral program.

Unlimited PTO is particularly appealing in a litigation environment where billable hours can dominate. It suggests a culture that rewards output rather than face time, though candidates should always ask how time-off requests are handled. The referral program also signals a team-oriented workplace.

Breaking Down the Eligibility Criteria

Messner Reeves is not interested in recent graduates. The posting explicitly requires three to five years of litigation experience and extensive familiarity with written discovery and depositions. You must also be licensed in both New York and New Jersey. This dual licensure is mandatory because the firm serves clients in both states and needs an attorney who can appear in courts on either side of the Hudson River.

The ideal candidate also demonstrates:

• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Impeccable verbal and written communication
• A process-oriented mindset with proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt, multitask, and work independently
• Detail-oriented and highly organized approach
• Proven ability to foster strong client relationships

If you hold only one state license, consider whether you can obtain the other quickly by waiver or examination. Your application should clearly state both licenses at the top of your resume.

How to Position Yourself for a Winning Application

Since the application is hosted on LinkedIn, your LinkedIn profile is your first calling card. Update your headline to include your practice areas and both state licenses. Write a summary that demonstrates your litigation track record: number of cases handled, types of motions argued, and deposition experience. On your resume, use specifics instead of generic duties. For example, write Managed all written discovery for 20+ commercial disputes or Deposed 15 fact and expert witnesses in premises liability actions. This gives hiring partners confidence in your ability to step into the role.

Referrals are a powerful accelerant. LinkedIn data indicates that applicants with a referral are twice as likely to get an interview. If you know anyone at Messner Reeves, ask for an introduction. Attend bar association mixers in New York and New Jersey where the firm's attorneys may be present. When you apply, upload a tailored cover letter that explicitly names the practice areas from the posting that align with your background and highlights your dual licensure.

Long-Term Career Impact of This Move

Joining Messner Reeves is more than a job change; it is a strategic career move. A full-service firm with ten offices provides exposure to different practice areas and clients, making you a more versatile attorney. You may start in insurance defense and later transition to commercial litigation or professional liability. This flexibility protects against market shifts in any single area.

Defense-side litigation at a firm like this also teaches you how to work with insurance carriers, corporate counsel, and risk managers. Those relationships are portable and can become business-development assets over time. After a few years, you will be well-positioned for promotion to senior associate, partnership consideration, or a move in-house to a company that needs a seasoned litigator. The combination of competitive compensation, strong benefits, and professional growth makes this Associate Attorney opening at Messner Reeves a compelling opportunity for any mid-level litigator ready to accelerate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the New Jersey bar license required before applying, or can I get it later?

A: The posting explicitly lists both New York and New Jersey licenses as requirements. You should have both at the time of application or be very close to receiving the second one. The employer may be willing to wait, but clarify this with the recruiter.

Q: Does the salary range include bonuses or other performance-based compensation?

A: The posting only mentions a base pay range of $130,000 to $170,000. It does not disclose bonuses. Benefits are listed separately, but you should ask about discretionary bonuses during interviews.

Q: What happens if I have more than five years of litigation experience?

A: The firm asks for three to five years, so more experienced attorneys may be considered for a senior associate role instead. You can still apply and market your additional depth, but be prepared to explain why you want an associate position at this stage.

Q: Are there court appearance requirements in both New York and New Jersey?

A: Yes, dual licensure strongly suggests the role will involve court appearances in both states. Be comfortable with the procedural rules of state and federal courts in New York and New Jersey, including the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey.