Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker

Construction Defect - Associate Attorney

Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • JD from ABA accredited law school
  • Must be admitted to practice in California
  • Minimum 2 years of defense litigation experience
  • Preferred experience in construction defect and insurance defense
  • Familiarity with construction contracts and codes is a plus
  • Proven experience drafting and arguing legal motions
  • Strong analytical and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Manage construction defect and insurance defense cases from start to finish
  • Draft various legal documents including pleadings and briefs
  • Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediation sessions
  • Prepare for site inspections and court appearances
  • Collaborate with colleagues across departments
  • Provide case evaluations and updates to clients and insurers
  • Work closely with legal team to manage caseload effectively

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Generous PTO policy
  • Access to corporate discounts and employee programs
Full Job Description
This role focuses on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in complex construction defect matters. The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage cases from inception through resolution.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage and assist with construction defect and related insurance defense matters from inception through resolution
  • Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents
  • Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations
  • Prepare for and participate in inspections, site investigations, mediations, arbitrations, and court appearances
  • Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
  • Provide timely reporting and case evaluations to clients and insurance carriers.
  • Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to efficiently manage a litigation caseload.

Qualifications
  • JD from an ABA accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in the state of California
  • 2+ years of defense litigation required
  • Construction defect, design professional, premises liability, and related insurance defense experience preferred
  • Familiarity with construction contracts, building codes, plans and specifications, and construction practices preferred
  • Experience drafting and arguing dispositive or discovery motions
  • Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses
  • Experience handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience a plus
  • Superior analytical skills
  • Strong written and oral communication skills


Wilson Elser offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our attorneys both professionally and personally.

A variety of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, education, licensure and/or certifications, geographic location, market demands, other business and organizational needs, and other factors permitted by law. This position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. This position is considered full-time and therefore qualifies for benefits including 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Salary Range:

$145,000-$210,000 USD

Why Join Wilson Elser?
  • Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
  • Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
  • Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
  • Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balance
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
  • Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

About Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker

Wilson Elser is a full-service law firm with clients in the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1978, it has grown to become one of the largest law firms in the United States. The firm provides legal services in a wide range of practice areas, including aviation, construction, cybersecurity, data privacy, employment, environmental, insurance coverage, intellectual property, product liability, professional liability, real estate, and transportation. Wilson Elser has more than 800 attorneys and 38 offices in the United States and abroad. The firm is headquartered in New York City.
Learn more about Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker
Industry
Founded
1978

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