This position may be structured at the Associate or Senior Attorney level, depending on experience. We welcome candidates with 3+ years of litigation experience, as well as more senior attorneys who are comfortable independently managing complex defense matters.

This position offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with litigation experience who are looking to grow their careers and take on increased responsibility in a busy and sophisticated defense litigation practice. The role focuses on defending clients in general liability, transportation, premises liability, catastrophic injury, construction-related injury, hospitality/recreation liability, products liability, trucking, auto defense, and other complex civil defense matters.

Attorneys earlier in their careers will have the opportunity to build on their litigation foundation through meaningful case work, mentorship, court appearances, depositions, motion practice, mediations, and direct client interaction. More senior candidates will have the opportunity to take on greater autonomy, manage complex matters, develop case strategy, work closely with clients and carriers, and gain hands-on trial experience.

The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, excellent analytical and writing skills, and the ability to manage cases from inception through resolution as part of a collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, discovery, and other legal documents
• Handle court appearances, depositions, mediations, and other litigation events
• Manage a litigation caseload as part of a collaborative team, with level of independence based on experience
• Develop case strategy, evaluate liability and damages, and work toward efficient resolution of matters
• Communicate with clients, carriers, experts, opposing counsel, and witnesses
• Prepare status reports, case evaluations, and other client-facing updates
• Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice areas, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
• For senior candidates, independently manage complex matters and help mentor more junior attorneys, as appropriate

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in California
• 3+ years of litigation experience required
• Defense litigation experience strongly preferred
• Experience with general liability, transportation, catastrophic injury, premises liability, construction-related injury, hospitality/recreation liability, products liability, trucking, auto defense, and/or other complex civil defense matters welcome
• Experience drafting discovery, pleadings, dispositive motions, and pretrial motions required
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, mediations, and expert discovery preferred
• Experience cross-examining plaintiffs, fact witnesses, and/or experts preferred
• Trial or second-chair trial experience a plus
• Superior analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment

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:

$155,000-$250,000 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