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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$157K - $220K *

Champion legal excellence by providing strategic counsel to senior leadership, navigating complex insurance regulations, and leading a dynamic legal team to drive business success and compliance withi...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $200K *

Lead the charge in managing complex litigation and advising on legal risks, ensuring compliance while collaborating with internal teams and outside counsel to drive effective case strategies and resol...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$175K - $190K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing strategic legal counsel on employment matters. Leverage your expertise to navigate complex issues, manage disputes, and develop scalable practices that align...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of social justice by leading a vital project supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Oversee legal representation, mentor staff, and engage with diverse communities to foster e...

San Francisco, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$133K - $180K *

Lead the charge in transforming child welfare legal systems through strategic consultation, collaboration, and innovative program development, ensuring best practices and positive outcomes for familie...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$85K - $140K *

Elevate your legal career by managing diverse caseloads and collaborating with a dynamic team. Utilize your expertise in foreclosure and title services to provide exceptional client support while ensu...

Cincinnati, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$191K - $233K *

Champion litigation excellence as you independently defend local government in complex cases, providing legal counsel that shapes policy and drives successful outcomes. Join a dynamic team dedicated t...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$81K - $127K *

Engage with us to enhance public access by analyzing legal documents, ensuring compliance with confidentiality rules, and providing guidance to judges and litigants. Your expertise will shape the tran...

Trenton, NJRemote

1 week ago

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

$190K - $225K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic Conflicts Team, where you'll analyze complex conflict reports, advise on risk management, and enhance ethical practices in a fully remote environment, ensuring...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$126K - $264K *

Contribute to a dynamic legal team by advising on employment law and contracts. This remote role requires independent judgment and offers a chance to engage with diverse legal issues in a collaborativ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

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

$165K - $250K *

Join a dynamic EPL litigation team, leveraging 5+ years of experience to manage cases, engage clients, and drive successful outcomes in a collaborative environment. Your proactive approach and strong...

Los Angeles, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$262K - $277K *

Champion the future of employment law by leading litigation and advising employers on complex legal matters. Leverage your expertise to navigate diverse cases and foster a collaborative environment wh...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$225K - $250K *

Champion compliance and innovation as you navigate complex legal landscapes, supporting diverse teams in a fast-paced environment. Leverage your expertise to drive growth while managing legal risks ac...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing Arizona litigation matters. As a key in-state attorney, you'll represent clients in court, manage cases, and collaborate with a supportive team to ensure time...

Arizona, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K *

Engage in a year-long fellowship for recent law school graduates, assisting with pivotal public interest cases while developing skills in legal research, writing, and strategic litigation, alongside e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$178K - $225K *

Lead legal support for Finance and Capital Markets, ensuring compliance and strategic execution of ABS transactions and SEC reporting, while managing counsel and navigating complex agreements to drive...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer in civil litigation, focusing on insurance coverage and bad faith cases. Engage in complex litigation in state and federal courts while developing your skills in a collaborative environment. J...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $275K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of civil litigation. Leverage your expertise in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation while engaging in complex cases across state and federal courts. Drive...

Los Angeles, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$110K - $130K *

Empower your legal career by defending diverse general liability cases. Collaborate with a dynamic team, leveraging your litigation expertise to deliver exceptional client service while managing cases...

Manchester, NHRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $275K *

Manage complex commercial litigation cases, focusing on class action and employment disputes. Collaborate with clients and colleagues, ensuring superior service while handling litigation aspects with...

Cincinnati, OHRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $275K *

Join a dynamic team focusing on complex commercial litigation and class actions. Leverage your 2-5 years of litigation experience to drive impactful results while contributing to a diverse and inclusi...

Columbus, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $275K *

Lead the charge in complex commercial litigation, focusing on class action and employment cases. Ideal for self-starters with strong writing and analytical skills, offering flexible remote or hybrid w...

Cleveland, OHRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic legal team where you will supervise and mentor while managing your own family law caseload. Enjoy courtroom exposure and a supportive environment designed to enhance your practice and l...

Phoenix, AZRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$83K - $157K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing high-quality legal advice and support to state agencies. Collaborate with diverse clients on complex legal issues while fostering a professional and inclusive...

Olympia, WARemote

1 week ago

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

$113K - $194K *

Champion effective legal representation by managing outside counsel for complex litigation, ensuring adherence to corporate guidelines while providing strategic legal advice to business partners and d...

Madison, WIRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.