At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #30 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.
Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.
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 to our Commercial Litigation Associate position in our San Diego Office.
This position offers a flexible, hybrid or remote working arrangement.
The Position
This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney to represent businesses and corporate clients in complex commercial disputes, including all phases of litigation from case strategy and discovery through trial and resolution. The ideal candidate has strong analytical, research, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with a commitment to delivering practical, results-oriented legal solutions.
Qualifications
- JD from an accredited law school
- Admitted to practice in California
- 2+ years of experience in commercial litigation, including breach of contract, D&O, and trade secret litigation
- Experience with MSJs
- Experience with complex factual patterns and legal argument, such as nuance with contractual interpretations and breach of fiduciary duty claims
- Ability to handle discovery disputes with minimal supervision
- Ability to take depositions
- Corporate Governance experience is a plus
- Legal project management experience is helpful
Responsibilities
- Independently manage a litigation caseload, working cases from beginning to end
- Work closely and collaborate with other attorneys and partners
- Regularly handle court appearances and depositions
- Communicate with clients and provide status reports
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.
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
- Download the E-Verify Participation Poster (English & Spanish)
- Download the Right to Work Poster (English & Spanish)
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to practice law in California
- At least 2 years of commercial litigation experience
- Experience with breach of contract, D&O, and trade secret litigation
- Experience with motions for summary judgment
- Experience handling complex factual patterns and legal arguments, including contractual interpretation and breach of fiduciary duty claims
- Ability to handle discovery disputes with minimal supervision
- Ability to take depositions
- Corporate governance experience
- Legal project management experience
What We Do
Wilson Elser is a preeminent defense litigation firm in the United States. The firm's attorneys handle a diverse array of defense and coverage matters, ranging from premises liability and bad faith coverage claims to large-scale program management. Known for taking on challenging and technical cases, Wilson Elser is recognized among the nation's most influential law firms in the Am Law 200 and NLJ 500.
