Explore Trial Attorney Jobs

Trial attorneys represent clients in court and guide cases through the litigation process, from investigation and pleadings to hearings, trials, and appeals. They build legal strategies, evaluate evidence, examine witnesses, and advocate for clients before judges and juries. On Ladders, explore vetted trial attorney opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including senior roles at law firms, corporations, government agencies, and other organizations.

What Trial Attorneys Do

Day-to-day responsibilities vary by practice area and employer. Trial attorneys may conduct legal research, draft motions and briefs, take depositions, negotiate settlements, prepare witnesses, and present arguments in court. They also advise clients on litigation risks, case strategy, and potential outcomes while coordinating with colleagues, experts, and opposing counsel.

Common Qualifications

Trial attorney positions generally require a Juris Doctor (JD), admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction, and strong legal writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills. Employers may seek substantial litigation experience, a record of handling cases through trial, and specialized knowledge in areas such as commercial litigation, personal injury, criminal law, employment, or intellectual property. Requirements vary by role and jurisdiction.

Career Opportunities and Compensation

Experienced trial attorneys can pursue opportunities as senior counsel, litigation partners, lead trial counsel, or litigation directors. Compensation depends on factors such as location, practice area, employer, case experience, and leadership responsibilities. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced legal professionals find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

Find Trial Attorney Jobs on Ladders

Search current trial attorney openings, compare responsibilities and qualifications, and identify positions that match your experience. Review each listing for details on location, compensation, practice area, and bar admission requirements, then apply directly through the employer’s process.

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1
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$85K - $100K *

Join a dynamic legal team as a Multi-State Barred Associate Attorney, managing diverse cases in Medicaid, civil litigation, and more. Enjoy a fully remote role with structured support, focusing on cli...

Washington, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$57K - $178K *

Champion the administration of estates and trusts, ensuring compliance and accuracy in tax filings while managing client relationships and case documentation. Leverage your expertise to deliver except...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$150K - $180K *

Discover the opportunity to shape the legal industry's go-to-market strategy, leveraging your expertise to build thought leadership and drive revenue growth while collaborating with a diverse ecosyste...

New York, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Drive strategic client engagement and business development within assigned territories, fostering relationships with C-level executives in the legal sector to enhance growth and establish trust in tai...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$225K - $250K *

Join a team that's driving legal excellence by providing critical support for global contracts and operational agreements. Collaborate cross-functionally while managing complex transactions and ensuri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $220K *

Transform commercial contracting by leading negotiations and enhancing workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive compliance and strategic outcomes, ensuring legal support scales effe...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $112K *

Transform legal operations by streamlining processes, enhancing data management, and implementing innovative technology solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize workflows and support a sc...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $275K *

Champion environmental justice by joining our dynamic team of attorneys. Engage in diverse toxic tort cases, collaborate with experts, and develop your skills in a supportive environment that values f...

San Diego, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $275K *

Transform your legal career by tackling complex Environmental/Toxic Tort cases. Join a dynamic team where you’ll engage in diverse litigation, collaborate with experts, and enjoy flexible work options...

Carlsbad, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$141K - $234K *

Shape the future of privacy and AI governance by providing expert legal guidance on compliance with evolving regulations, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance governance programs, and ensuring...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $133K *

Champion the development of Generative AI solutions, leading an agile team to enhance products and tooling. Drive AI adoption, mentor engineers, and ensure best practices while collaborating across de...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$139K - $163K *

Advance your career as a strategic legal partner by providing product and privacy counsel that balances compliance with innovation. Collaborate across teams to develop scalable solutions that support...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive comprehensive legal support across diverse business functions, managing contracts, insurance, and litigation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and facilitate growth i...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$129K - $193K *

Join a dynamic team as a Subject Matter Expert, guiding mission planning solutions for USMC aviation. Collaborate with engineers and pilots to enhance operational capabilities and deliver impactful tr...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$240K - $280K *

Join a dynamic team to lead enterprise contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and partnerships for an innovative AI platform. Drive commercial success while overseeing legal operations globally, e...

Washington, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $279K *

Transform local government sales by proactively building relationships, generating pipeline, and driving revenue through innovative cloud solutions. Collaborate with a world-class sales team to exceed...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$90K - $105K *

Pioneer innovative calendaring solutions by analyzing and entering deadlines for intellectual property litigation matters, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and support for legal teams in a collaborative...

Boston, MARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $275K *

Unlock your potential by engaging in complex litigation, managing cases, and developing strategies in insurance coverage and bad faith matters. Join a flexible, national firm that values professional...

Carlsbad, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $275K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of litigation in Southern California. We seek experienced attorneys to manage complex insurance coverage cases, offering flexible work options and opportunities f...

San Diego, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$170K - $200K *

Drive impactful legal strategies by leveraging your expertise in intellectual property and technology transactions. Join a dynamic team to negotiate contracts and advise on legal matters, contributing...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $250K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of labor relations through strategic partnerships and expert counsel, providing comprehensive support in all areas of employment law for a diverse clientele...

Chicago, ILRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Execute innovative marketing strategies to enhance client relationships, drive business growth, and manage proposals. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful presentations and ensure premium growt...

Itasca, ILRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$141K - $234K *

Lead compliance initiatives in privacy, cybersecurity, and digital governance. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance regulatory frameworks and provide strategic legal guidance to support business...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in enhancing executive effectiveness and strategic planning. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, coordinating cross-functional priorities and driving organizational alignm...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$196K - $364K *

Lead the charge in shaping employment law strategy across the Americas. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide legal guidance on compliance, employee relations, and litigation management...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a trial attorney do?question toggle

    A trial attorney represents clients in litigation, developing case strategy, researching the law, preparing evidence and witnesses, negotiating where appropriate, and presenting arguments in court.

  • What qualifications are typically required for trial attorney jobs?question toggle

    Most roles require a JD and active bar admission in the relevant jurisdiction. Employers commonly look for litigation experience, excellent legal research and writing, and strong courtroom advocacy skills. Specific requirements depend on the employer and practice area.

  • Where do trial attorneys work?question toggle

    Trial attorneys work at law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, public-interest organizations, and other institutions that handle disputes and litigation.

  • How much do trial attorneys earn?question toggle

    Pay varies with experience, location, practice area, employer, and responsibility. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more; consult each listing for its compensation details.

  • How can I find trial attorney jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse trial attorney listings on Ladders and review each role’s salary information, location, practice area, and qualifications to find opportunities that fit your experience.