General Liability - Trial Attorney

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