Construction Defect - Associate Attorney

Wilson Elser - Attorneys; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive compensation

401(k) plan

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking a Construction Defect – Associate Attorney in San Francisco. The role focuses on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in complex construction defect matters, with strong litigation requirements and case management from inception to resolution.

The position allows a flexible hybrid or remote working arrangement, and requires a California-licensed attorney with 2+ years of defense litigation experience.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in California.
• 2+ years of defense litigation experience.
• Construction defect, design professional, premises liability, and related insurance defense experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage construction defect and related insurance defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations.
• Prepare for and participate in inspections, site investigations, mediations, arbitrations, and court appearances.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment.
• Provide timely reporting and case evaluations to clients and insurance carriers.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to efficiently manage a litigation caseload.

Skills

Strong litigation experience

Analytical skills

Written & oral communication

Education

JD from ABA accredited law school

Job 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 ourConstruction Defect – Associate Attorney position in ourSan FranciscoOffice.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid or remote working arrangement.

The Position

This role focuses on defending developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in complex construction defect matters. The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage cases from inception through resolution.

• Manage and assist with construction defect and related insurance defense matters from inception through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents
• Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations
• Prepare for and participate in inspections, site investigations, mediations, arbitrations, and court appearances
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
• Provide timely reporting and case evaluations to clients and insurance carriers.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to efficiently manage a litigation caseload.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in the state of California
• 2+ years of defense litigationrequired
• Construction defect, design professional, premises liability, and related insurance defense experience preferred
• Familiarity with construction contracts, building codes, plans and specifications, and construction practices preferred
• Experience drafting and arguing dispositive or discovery motions
• Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience a plus
• 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.

Salary Range:

$145,000 - $210,000 USD

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 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.

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California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.