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.
Wilson Elser's San Francisco office is currently seeking a General Liability - Trial Attorney to join a team of talented professionals in a collaborative, collegial environment. 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.
This position offers a flexible, hybrid, or remote working arrangement.
The Position
This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with litigation experience who are looking to grow their careers and take on increased responsibility in a busy and sophisticated defense litigation practice. The role focuses on defending clients in general liability, transportation, premises liability, catastrophic injury, construction-related injury, habitability, products liability, trucking, and other complex civil defense matters, with significant opportunities for trial work. The ideal candidate will have experience managing cases from intake through trial. This position offers a collaborative and dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of legal matters, including in-court trial experience.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Take and defend key fact and expert witness depositions, cover pretrial and trial appearances as first chair, manage and argue significant pretrial and trial motions.
- Manage a litigation caseload as part of a collaborative team, with level of independence based on experience
- Develop case strategy, evaluate liability and damages, and work toward efficient resolution of matters
- Communicate with clients, carriers, experts, opposing counsel, and witnesses
- Prepare status reports, case evaluations, and other client-facing updates
- Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice areas, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
- For senior candidates, independently manage complex matters and help mentor more junior attorneys, as appropriate
Qualifications
- JD from an ABA accredited law school
- Admitted to practice in the state of California
- 8+ years of defense litigation experience preferred
- Demonstrated trial experience with catastrophic injury, product liability, construction defect, habitability, transportation, or other general liability matters
- Experience appearing in court for motions, hearings, depositions, and trials
- Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions required
- Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses preferred
- Superior analytical skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
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
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Admission to practice law in California
- Defense litigation experience
- Trial experience involving general liability or related matters such as catastrophic injury, product liability, construction defect, habitability, or transportation
- Court appearance experience for motions, hearings, depositions, and trials
- Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions
- Eight or more years of defense litigation experience
- Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses
- Superior analytical skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills
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.
