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Litigation Defense Associate Attorney

Wilson Elser - Attorneys

Salary undisclosed

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Full-timeHybridNovice

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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 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 Litigation Defense Associate Attorney position in our Milwaukee Office.

The Position

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist and respond to written discovery, including drafting interrogatories, request for production, and substantive responses 
  • Draft pretrial motions
  • Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations
  • Collaborate closely with partners and senior attorneys to develop case strategy and drive matters forward
  • Conduct thorough and strategic legal research to support case analysis and motion practice 
  • Support trial preparation, including witness preparation, exhibit development, and coordination of trial materials 

Qualifications

  • JD from an Accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in the State of Wisconsin
  • 2+ years of defense litigation experience
  • Experience handling general liability and insurance defense
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Client-facing experience preferred
  • Ability to integrate into a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Aviation industry experience is a plus

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

Benefits

  • health insurance
  • 401(k)
  • paid time off
  • professional development

About this role

Wilson Elser's Milwaukee office is seeking a Litigation Defense Associate Attorney to join a collaborative team handling defense matters across general liability and insurance defense. You'll work on the full spectrum of litigation—from discovery and motion drafting through depositions, mediations, and trial preparation—while developing case strategy alongside experienced partners and senior attorneys. This role offers meaningful exposure to sophisticated matters within a nationally recognized firm ranked among the top 100 by The American Lawyer.

The position requires a Wisconsin bar admission and at least two years of defense litigation experience. You should be comfortable with written discovery, legal research, and client interaction, and ideally bring experience in general liability or insurance defense work. Aviation industry background is a plus but not required. The hybrid arrangement in Milwaukee provides flexibility while you're embedded in a team-oriented environment that emphasizes mentorship and professional development.

If you're looking for long-term growth at a firm that values collaboration and invests in attorney development, this role offers both the substantive work and the supportive culture to advance your litigation practice.

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Pay for this role

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