Description:

At Rivkin Radler, we are always looking for professionals who share our passion for the law and commitment to total client satisfaction. Rivkin Radler has approximately 250 lawyers, with offices in Albany, N.Y.; Hackensack, N.J.; Jacksonville, F.L.; New York City; Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; and Uniondale, N.Y. The firm actively encourages equal opportunity through mentoring, training, professional development, and public service programs.

The firm offers competitive salaries in addition to a comprehensive benefits plan which includes medical and dental insurance, group term life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, optional term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, Aflac, 401(k), paid time off, referral bonuses and paid holidays.

Rivkin Radler LLP is seeking a Surety & Construction Litigation Associate with a minimum of 1 year of litigation experience to join our growing Surety practice. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex matters involving public and private construction projects, payment and performance bond claims, contract disputes, and related commercial litigation and pre-litigation transactional work.

Responsibilities:
  • Represent sureties, owners, contractors, subcontractors, and other construction‑industry clients in litigation, arbitration, and other dispute‑resolution forums.
  • Assist in all phases of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, discovery demands and responses, deposition preparation, and court appearances.
  • Assist in all phases of transactional and pre-litigation practice involving construction disputes, payment and performance bond claims, recovery efforts against indemnitors and drafting various construction and surety agreements related to resolving and analyzing claims prior to litigation.
  • Analyze and litigate payment bond and performance bond claims, indemnity actions, delay claims, defect claims, and construction contract disputes.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, briefs, and risk‑assessment summaries for clients and partners.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, claims professionals, and internal team members to provide strategic legal guidance.
  • Manage deadlines, case workflow, and court‑mandated schedules.
  • Support partners on larger construction and surety matters while developing the ability to manage smaller matters independently.

Requirements:
  • Minimum 1 year of litigation experience; construction or surety‑related experience is a plus but not required.
  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Experience handling discovery, motion practice, or court appearances preferred.
  • Experience reviewing and drafting agreements is a plus.
  • Admission to practice in New York; New Jersey admission is a plus.
  • Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Desire to grow a practice in construction and surety law and work collaboratively with a strong team.

Hybrid Hours:
Minimum 3 days a week in office. 2 days a week remotely.

Congenial fast paced environment, we offer competitive salary and benefits. EOE.

The annualized salary range for this position is $120,000 to $175,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

To find out how you can join our talented team, email recruiting@rivkin.com.