Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker

General Liability - Trial Attorney

Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • JD from an ABA accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in California
  • 8+ years of preferred defense litigation experience
  • Proven trial experience in various liability matters
  • Court appearance experience for motions and depositions
  • Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions
  • Experience in cross-examining witnesses preferred
  • Superior analytical abilities
  • Strong written and oral communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Take and defend key depositions as first chair
  • Manage a litigation caseload with varying levels of independence
  • Develop case strategies and work toward resolution
  • Communicate with clients, experts, and opposing counsel
  • Prepare client-facing updates and case evaluations
  • Collaborate across offices to foster a supportive team environment
  • Independently manage complex matters and mentor junior attorneys for senior candidates

Benefits

  • Meaningful work on sophisticated legal matters
  • Collaborative culture valuing mentorship and development
  • Long-term growth opportunities within a recognized firm
  • Flexible hybrid work arrangement for better work-life balance
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision
  • Access to corporate discounts and employee programs
Full Job Description
Wilson Elser's San Francisco office is currently seeking a General Liability - Trial Attorney to join a team of talented professionals in a collaborative, collegial environment. Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid, or remote 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, habitability, products liability, trucking, and other complex civil defense matters, with significant opportunities for trial work. The ideal candidate will have experience managing cases from intake through trial. This position offers a collaborative and dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of legal matters, including in-court trial experience.

Discover our newly renovated San Francisco office! Take a virtual tour and explore our building amenities.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Take and defend key fact and expert witness depositions, cover pretrial and trial appearances as first chair, manage and argue significant pretrial and trial motions.
  • 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 the state of California
  • 8+ years of defense litigation experience preferred
  • Demonstrated trial experience with catastrophic injury, product liability, construction defect, habitability, transportation, or other general liability matters
  • Experience appearing in court for motions, hearings, depositions, and trials
  • Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions required
  • Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses preferred
  • 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:

$250,000-$300,000 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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