Senior Attorney

Company: WhitsonLaw, PLLC
Location: Albany
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Our growing firm is seeking a well-qualified senior attorney who can handle a heavy caseload, work independently, and zealously represent clients both in and out of court. To be considered, you should have solid trial experience and be willing to mentor our newer associates. Your excellent communication and writing skills will come in handy as you thoughtfully position clients toward favorable outcomes. Reach out to us today if this opportunity sounds ideal for you. Compensation: $150,000 at plan Responsibilities: Attend court hearings on behalf of clients and argue motions Maintain knowledge of local, state, and federal statutes and applicable laws Prepare for and attend trials, mediation, and arbitration hearings Conduct research and draft pleadings, briefs, and motions Client Service Serve as the primary attorney point of contact for assigned clients, delivering timely updates, clarity, and confidence throughout the matter. Set expectations early and reinforce them consistently regarding process, timelines, risk, and cost. Produce client-ready deliverables that are organized, understandable, and aligned to the firm’s quality standards. Handle emotionally charged communications with empathy and boundaries, keeping matters progressing without unnecessary conflict. Litigation & Negotiation Manage the full litigation lifecycle: pleadings, discovery, motion practice, hearings, settlement conferences, trial preparation, and trial support/leadership as needed. Draft and review high-quality legal work product (motions, affidavits, discovery demands/responses, stipulations, agreements, orders, judgments) with minimal revision. Ensure filings are accurate, compliant, and timely, with a strong command of rules, court requirements, and internal deadlines. Advocate effectively in court and during conferences, including presenting facts, legal arguments, and settlement positions persuasively and professionally. Drive strategic negotiation and settlement planning that aligns legal outcomes with client priorities and practical realities. Prepare clients for mediation/settlement conferences with clear expectations, strong documentation, and structured decision support. Recognize when to press, when to de-escalate, and when to pivot, with a consistent focus on durable outcomes. Production & Workflow Management Own the firm’s legal production pipeline for assigned matters—from strategy session to delivery—ensuring work moves smoothly and predictably. Create and maintain case plans, task lists, and deadline controls so nothing stalls or slips. Spot bottlenecks, remove blockers, and escalate risks early with proposed solutions. Ensure all work is completed efficiently, accurately, and on time through effective leverage and clear direction. Team Leadership Lead, direct, and mentor associates, paralegals, and support staff assigned to your matters. Assign work with clear instructions, definitions of done, and deadlines, then review for quality and coach for improvement. Build a culture of accountability, consistency, and excellent client service through example-setting and respectful candor. Coordinate with firm leadership on staffing needs, capacity, training, and performance feedback as it relates to case execution. Timekeeping, Billing Discipline & Performance Keep time contemporaneously and maintain strong billing hygiene consistent with firm expectations. Support proactive financial case management (retainers, replenishments, scope alignment) through clear communication and timely issue-spotting. Meet role expectations for productivity, quality, and client satisfaction while protecting the firm’s standards and margins. Business Development Participate in consultations/case evaluations as requested, presenting confidently and converting appropriate matters through a consultative approach. Contribute to the firm’s reputation through professionalism, responsiveness, and consistent execution quality. Support relationship-building and visibility efforts when needed (referrals, community presence, content/thought leadership). Qualifications: Must be able to handle heavy caseload with little supervision Previous experience advocating for clients in trials, mediation, and arbitration Five years of experience as a senior associate in the legal industry Exceptional time management and interpersonal skills are desired, as are exceptional writing and verbal communication skills Admitted to local and state bar associations Additional job requirements are: You must have courtroom litigation experience with a track record of success. You must be available for in-person appearances at mediations, meetings, and court proceedings in the following areas: From Albany, NY to Plattsburgh, New York. Outside of those responsibilities, the daily work location is flexible. You are a thorough and precise researcher, writer, and speaker. Your great technical acumen is matched by your patience, compassion, and attention to clients and the successful resolution of their legal matters. You are confident, flexible, growth-minded, and comfortable in a management role. You have or are willing to take the following advanced training: Certified Divorce Specialist™ training, 30 hours of basic Mediation training, and 15 hours of Interdisciplinary Collaborative Divorce training. You are licensed in New York and have a clean professional discipline record. You must be good with basic legal technology, specifically: Microsoft Office. Adobe Acrobat Pro. Westlaw. Ooma. Google Workspace Suite. Dropbox. Familiarity with Clio Grow, Clio Manage, and Family Law Software is a plus. About Company WhitsonLaw, PLLC is a New York family law firm focused on collaborative divorce and mediation—designed for clients who want resolution with dignity, clarity, and lasting peace. We guide clients through a structured process that clarifies priorities, organizes information, and supports durable agreements that hold up in real life—not just on paper. We pair compassionate counsel with disciplined execution: clear strategy, strong preparation, timely communication, and efficient workflows that respect both the emotional and financial realities of divorce. When additional support is needed, we make warm introductions to a curated network of trusted professionals—financial, parenting, therapeutic, and other experts—so clients are supported from every angle as they move into their next chapter.

Keywords: WhitsonLaw, PLLC, Schenectady , Senior Attorney, Legal , Albany, New York