Defense Litigation Attorney - General Liability

Wilson Elser - Business & Legal Professionals; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive compensation

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Wilson Elser in Seattle is seeking a Defense Litigation Attorney to join our growing team. You will handle bodily injury defense matters across general liability, premises liability, product liability, and auto/transportation, with a focus on gig‑economy cases, delivering hands-on litigation experience and direct client interaction.

This role offers collaboration with partners and staff, opportunities to manage cases with increasing responsibility, and a hybrid work arrangement with competitive

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school and licensed to practice in Washington.
• 2–8 years of litigation experience in civil defense matters such as general/product/premises liability.
• Strong analytical, writing, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, and support staff in a team-driven environment.
• Handle all aspects of litigation from case inception through trial.
• Develop case strategies aligned with client objectives and litigation goals.
• Maintain regular client communication with updates and recommendations.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Evaluate liability and damages and assist in settlements when appropriate.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to manage multiple matters

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from ABA-accredited law school

Licensed to practice law in Washington

Tools

Litigation technology

Legal project management tools

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 #36 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 Defense Litigation Attorney position in our Seattle Office.

_ This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement. _

The Position

We are seeking a skilled Defense Litigation Attorney to join our growing practice. The ideal candidate will have experience defending a variety of bodily injury litigation matters, including general liability, premises liability, construction, product liability, premises security, and auto/transportation with a focus on the gig economy. This role offers meaningful hands‑on litigation experience, direct client interaction, and the opportunity to manage cases with increasing responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a diverse litigation caseload from inception through resolution.
• Work collaboratively with partners, associates, and support staff in a team‑oriented environment.
• Handle all aspects of litigation, from inception of the case through trial.
• Develop and implement case strategies that align with client objectives and litigation goals.
• Maintain regular communication with clients, providing timely case updates, analysis, and recommendations.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation‑related documents.
• Evaluate liability and damages issues and assist in negotiating settlements when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Washington.
• 2–8 years of litigation experience, preferably in general liability, premises liability, personal injury, product liability, premises security, auto/transportation, gig‑economy or other civil defense matters.
• Strong analytical, writing, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively manage multiple matters effectively and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience handling client communications and developing strong client relationships.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team culture.
• Trial, arbitration, and mediation experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with legal project management and litigation technology is preferred.

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:

$140,000—$190,000 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.