About the Role

Robert Half is excited to partner with a prestigious asbestos defense program seeking a highly experienced Asbestos Litigation Attorney with substantial NYCAL experience. This is not your typical litigation support role—it's a strategic position where you'll serve as a trusted advisor to senior legal leadership, driving settlement strategies in one of the nation's most complex and high-stakes jurisdictions. Based in the heart of Union Square, New York, NY, this hybrid opportunity (3 days onsite / 2 days remote) offers an ongoing contract with competitive compensation starting at $80+/hour. If you have navigated the intricacies of the NYCAL docket, major plaintiff firms, judicial expectations, and settlement dynamics, this role will fully leverage your expertise in asbestos litigation, mesothelioma cases, lung cancer claims, and asbestosis defenses.

Ideal candidates are seasoned attorneys who thrive in high-pressure environments, analyzing exposures, medical findings, and jurisdictional trends to prioritize cases for resolution. You'll influence settlement postures, evaluate high-severity matters, and collaborate directly with associate counsel on valuation strategies. With all equipment provided and a flexible start date, this position offers the perfect blend of autonomy, impact, and work-life balance in the dynamic New York legal market.

Key Responsibilities

Case Evaluation and Prioritization

Conduct thorough assessments of NYCAL cases approaching settlement windows. Analyze critical factors such as occupational exposures, medical diagnoses (including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis), evolving jurisdictional trends, and behavioral patterns of prominent plaintiff firms to recommend prioritization strategies that align with program goals.

Strategic Settlement Negotiation

Partner closely with associate counsel to craft data-driven valuation models and lead negotiations with top-tier plaintiff firms. Ensure settlements reflect long-term defense objectives while mitigating escalation risks in grouped matters.

Portfolio and Damages Analysis

Review portfolios of coordinated cases, identifying patterns, risks, and opportunities for bulk resolutions. Provide expert guidance on damages calculations, encompassing wrongful death claims, lost future earnings projections, ongoing medical expenses, and pain-and-suffering awards tailored to NYCAL precedents.

Advisory and Strategic Support

Deliver authoritative insights on NYCAL procedural nuances, judge-specific expectations, and case-specific dynamics. Strengthen the overall defense posture by advising on resolution tactics that optimize outcomes across the asbestos docket.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this role, candidates must possess:

• Substantial hands-on experience with the NYCAL docket, including case management, motion practice, and settlement proceedings.
• Active New York State Bar license (mandatory).
• Proven expertise in high-severity asbestos litigation, with deep knowledge of major plaintiff firms' tactics and settlement histories.
• Advanced skills in damages modeling for complex claims involving mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, wrongful death, and related injuries.
• Strategic mindset for portfolio analysis, risk assessment, and influencing senior-level decision-making.
• Excellent negotiation abilities and familiarity with NYCAL judicial preferences.

This role demands not just technical proficiency but a nuanced understanding of New York asbestos litigation's unique challenges. Attorneys with 10+ years of specialized experience will find this opportunity uniquely rewarding.

Why Join Us

Join Robert Half and this esteemed asbestos defense program for a career-defining role that stands out in the competitive New York legal landscape. Benefit from a hybrid schedule in vibrant Union Square, top-tier hourly pay, and the chance to shape high-impact strategies. Work with cutting-edge technology provided onsite, collaborate with industry leaders, and contribute to resolutions that define asbestos defense in NYCAL. This ongoing contract offers stability, professional growth, and the prestige of influencing sophisticated litigation outcomes. Apply now to bring your NYCAL mastery to a team that values your expertise. (Word count: 812)