Construction & Complex Liability Litigation Attorney
Wilson Elser - Attorneys
CA$155,000 - CA$250,000 / year
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Description
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 attorney looking for a long-term opportunity where you can grow, take ownership of your work, and be valued as part of a collaborative team, we invite you to apply for our Construction & Complex Liability Litigation Attorney position in our Los Angeles or Orange County office.
This position may be structured at the Associate or Senior Attorney level, depending on experience. We welcome candidates with 3+ years of litigation experience, as well as more senior attorneys who are comfortable independently managing complex matters.
This position offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement.
The Position
This role focuses on defending clients in complex liability matters, including construction defect, premises liability, catastrophic injury, general liability, and other complex civil litigation matters. The attorney will work with a team representing developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, property owners, businesses, and other insured and self-insured clients.
The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, excellent analytical and writing skills, and the ability to manage cases from inception through resolution. Senior-level candidates should be comfortable taking a lead role in case strategy, client communication, discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediations, and overall case management. Candidates earlier in their careers should have a strong litigation foundation and an interest in continuing to develop within a busy and sophisticated defense practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, discovery, and other legal documents
- Handle court appearances, depositions, mediations, and other litigation events
- 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 California
- 3+ years of litigation experience required
- Defense litigation experience strongly preferred
- Candidates with construction defect, general liability, premises liability, catastrophic injury, transportation, or related complex litigation experience are encouraged to apply
- Experience drafting discovery, pleadings, dispositive motions, and pretrial motions required
- Experience handling court appearances, depositions, mediations, and expert discovery preferred
- Experience cross-examining plaintiffs, fact witnesses, and/or experts preferred
- Trial or second-chair trial experience a plus
- Superior analytical, writing, and communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines
- Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment
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
Wilson Elser welcomes submissions of candidates for our open positions exclusively from recruitment agencies with an active, signed fee agreement who have been granted access to a position through our dedicated Recruitment Agency Portal. We are unable to consider submissions from recruitment agencies without a current (dated as of 7/1/2024) agreement in place. We appreciate your understanding. For collaboration inquiries or to establish an agreement, please contact us at talentacquisition@wilsonelser.com.
Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicants race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Wilson Elser endeavors to make the Wilson Elser website accessible to any and all users. You may review our Accessibility Policy here.
California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.
Wilson Elser participates in the federal E-Verify program. With respect to all new hires, we provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Please review the official posters for detailed information regarding your rights and protections
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Download the E-Verify Participation Poster (English & Spanish)
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Download the Right to Work Poster (English & Spanish)
Benefits
- health insurance
- 401(k)
- paid time off
- life insurance
- professional development
About this role
Wilson Elser's Los Angeles office is seeking a construction and complex liability litigation attorney to defend clients across a range of sophisticated civil matters, including construction defect, premises liability, catastrophic injury, and general liability claims. You'll work with a team representing developers, contractors, design professionals, property owners, and various insured clients, handling the full litigation lifecycle from pleadings and discovery through depositions, mediations, and resolution. The role accommodates both mid-career and senior attorneys: those with three or more years of defense litigation experience can grow within a structured practice, while more experienced attorneys will independently manage complex cases and mentor junior colleagues.
The position requires strong litigation fundamentals—drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery; managing court appearances and depositions; and developing case strategy. You'll communicate regularly with clients, carriers, experts, and opposing counsel while balancing a caseload as part of a collaborative team. Senior candidates should be comfortable taking the lead on case direction and client relationships. California bar admission and a JD from an ABA-accredited school are required; prior experience in construction defect, general liability, or related complex defense work is strongly preferred, as is trial or second-chair trial experience.
Wilson Elser is a top-100 national firm with over 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices. The role offers a flexible hybrid arrangement, competitive compensation ranging from $155,000 to $250,000 depending on experience and qualifications, discretionary bonuses, and a full benefits package including 401(k) match, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
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Pay for this role
$155,000 to $250,000 per year
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