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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Attorney (Senior) - Equal Access and Housing (EAH)
$89K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading impactful litigation and advocacy initiatives for disability rights. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance access and challenge discrimination, while mentoring ot...
4 days ago
Insurance Defense Managing Attorney
$207K - $240K *
Shape the future of civil litigation by managing complex insurance defense cases. Engage strategically with stakeholders while leading a team to enhance in-house legal capabilities and deliver excepti...
1 week ago
Associate Assistant County Attorney
$82K - $125K *
Unlock your potential by providing essential legal services to county boards, prosecuting cases, and representing clients in various legal matters. This entry-level role offers opportunities for growt...
Yesterday
Senior Litigation Attorney Workers' Compensation (Northern California)
$137K - $232K *
Manage complex workers' compensation cases, providing litigation services and strategic legal advice. Lead case handling from investigation to trial, ensuring optimal outcomes while mentoring support...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage in managing bankruptcy matters, drafting pleadings, and attending hearings while collaborating with clients and courts to ensure effective representation of secured creditors in consumer bankru...
Reposted 2 days ago
General Liability Litigation Team Leader - Western
$86K - $129K *
Lead a team of General Liability Claim Handlers to resolve coverage, risk transfer, liability, and settlement issues, ensuring compliance with corporate guidelines while fostering staff development an...
Reposted 1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in shaping Stedi's litigation strategy, driving affirmative disputes and regulatory actions to protect and expand our operational freedom in the healthcare sector. Collaborate with lea...
3 weeks ago
$155K - $180K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support across employment, commercial, and compliance matters. Collaborate with internal teams and clients while developing expertise in a...
1 week ago
Associate General Counsel, Legal (US)
$200K - $398K *
Drive impactful legal strategies in a global clinical research environment, guiding senior leadership on complex regulatory and compliance matters while fostering innovation and risk management across...
3 weeks ago
$158K - $238K *
Redefine your impact by partnering across all business units and managing day-to-day legal matters. Drive compliance initiatives, support the General Counsel, and lead legal operations within a dynami...
4 weeks ago
Mississippi Licensed Attorney- (Remote in MS)
$75K - $90K *
Execute high-volume case management for clients with security interests in assets. Utilize strong negotiation and litigation skills to resolve disputes efficiently while maintaining meticulous documen...
3 days ago
$242K - $282K *
Lead the oversight of contractual matters across departments, serving as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders from pre-clinical to commercial readiness. This role emphasizes collaboration and ex...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Legal Analyst & Litigation Project Manager
$92K - $124K *
Partner with us to enhance legal operations and implement eDiscovery processes. You'll lead customer data privacy initiatives, improving cross-functional collaboration and response strategies for comp...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $168K *
Champion legal compliance and risk management in mortgage servicing. Oversee litigation, regulatory complaints, and title claims while advising operational teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensu...
3 weeks ago
$112K - $141K *
Champion innovative legal solutions for healthcare stakeholders, advising on corporate, regulatory, and operational matters. Engage in healthcare transactions, compliance, and health data commercializ...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Counsel - Liability Insurance Defense
$132K - $219K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional legal support through proactive case handling and mentorship, while managing complex litigation matters and fostering strong client relationships...
2 weeks ago
Product Liability Litigation Attorneys
$100K - $275K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of litigation in product liability. Leverage your expertise in a dynamic environment, handling high-stakes cases while collaborating with skilled professionals ac...
1 week ago
Deputy Solicitor General - Solicitor General's Office, Olympia or Seattle
$92K - $172K *
Elevate your career by leading complex federal litigation to protect Washingtonians' rights. Collaborate with a dedicated team in a supportive environment, focusing on high-stakes cases and providing...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Support a growing SaaS company by managing contract negotiations, ensuring compliance, and advising on legal matters. Collaborate with various teams to streamline processes and mitigate risks while ma...
3 weeks ago
Paralegal & Litigation Specialist
$84K - $99K *
Support impactful litigation and advocacy projects aimed at defending democracy. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage case files, conduct research, and draft legal documents while contributing to...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Empower clients by representing them in complex wage-and-hour litigation. Collaborate with senior attorneys to conduct research, draft legal documents, and prepare for court appearances, ensuring stro...
1 week ago
$150K - $165K *
Engage clients by driving revenue through consultative sales, building strong relationships with law firms and corporations. Leverage industry insights to anticipate needs and deliver tailored solutio...
1 week ago
Senior AI Product & Partnerships Counsel
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of generative AI by providing strategic legal guidance across product, partnerships, and commercial initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and dr...
Today
Contract & Corporate Generalist
$67K - $95K *
Transform your career by engaging in diverse corporate legal tasks, contract negotiations, and compliance work. This role emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and proactive support across legal div...
4 weeks ago
Assistant General Counsel, Servicing
$240K - $260K *
Join a team that's dedicated to providing expert legal guidance in consumer loan servicing. Leverage your extensive experience to support compliance, risk management, and operational strategies while...
2 weeks ago
What does a trial attorney do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.