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 #36 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.
Wilson Elser's Los Angeles/Orange County office is currently seeking a Complex Liability Defense Attorney - Ski Resorts to join a team of talented professionals in a collaborative, collegial environment. Our firm is committed to developing professionals who value each other and the service we provide through 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 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 an experienced attorney to represent and defend ski resorts and mountain recreation operators in litigation and advisory matters. This role focuses on civil defense involving personal injury claims, premises liability, risk management, and regulatory compliance related to ski area operations and outdoor recreation activities.
Responsibilities
- Defend ski resorts and related entities in civil litigation, including:
- Personal injury and wrongful death claims
- Premises liability and negligence actions
- Claims involving skiing, snowboarding, lift operations, and mountain activities
- Analyze and apply state ski safety statutes, assumption-of-risk doctrines, and liability limitations
- Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents
- Represent clients in expert depositions as well as in mediations, arbitrations, and trials
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
- Independently manage a litigation caseload as part of a team, working cases from beginning to end
- Communicate with clients and provide status reports
- Stay current on developments in recreation law, tort law, and relevant regulations
Qualifications
- JD from an accredited law school
- Admitted to practice in California
- 8+ years of civil litigation defense, preferably in general liability, catastrophic injury, premises liability, personal injury defense, and/or insurance defense
- Trial experience is required
- Experience in litigating recreational accidents and working with liability waivers is helpful
- Experience with ski resorts, mountain operations, outdoor recreation providers, or amusement operators is helpful
- Superior analytical skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Legal project management experience is helpful
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
Skills Required
- JD from an accredited law school
- Admitted to practice in California
- 8+ years of civil litigation defense experience
- Experience in general liability, catastrophic injury, premises liability, personal injury defense, and/or insurance defense
- Trial experience
- Experience in litigating recreational accidents and working with liability waivers
- Experience with ski resorts, mountain operations, outdoor recreation providers, or amusement operators
- Superior analytical skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- 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.
