Litigation Defense Attorney

Wilson Elser - Business & Legal Professionals; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision

Disability coverage

Job summary

Wilson Elser in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Litigation Defense Attorney to join our hybrid team. You will manage defense litigation matters from inception through resolution, draft motions, take depositions, and coordinate with clients and colleagues across offices.

The ideal candidate has a JD from an ABA-accredited law school, Arizona admission (California/Nevada a plus), and at least 2 years of defense litigation experience, including general liability or trucking/transportation matters.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar admission.
• Admitted to practice in Arizona; California or Nevada is a plus.
• Minimum 2+ years of defense litigation experience.
• Experience with general liability, commercial litigation, personal injury, or trucking/transportation.
• Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions is required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and analytical abilities.
• Sophisticated technical skills and ability to manage court appearances and depositions.

Responsibilities

• Support a litigation caseload from inception through resolution, including case strategy, discovery, motions, mediation, and trial prep.
• Draft and argue substantive motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda in state and federal courts.
• Conduct and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Manage discovery, including drafting responses to interrogatories and requests for production.
• Represent clients at hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys and clients to develop litigation strategies and provide updates.

Skills

Defense litigation experience

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Oral communication

Legal research

Court appearances

Education

JD from ABA accredited law school

Admitted to practice in Arizona

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 our Litigation Defense Attorney position in our Phoenix, AZ office.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background handling litigation matters and understand any applicable underlying regulations. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging cases and be at the forefront of litigating emerging legal issues, with talented colleagues throughout the country, and provide sound counsel to our clients.

_ This is a hybrid position offering great flexibility. _

Key Responsibilities:

• Support a litigation caseload from inception through resolution, including case strategy development, discovery, motion practice, mediation, and trial preparation.
• Draft and argue substantive motions, pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda in state and federal courts.
• Conduct and defend depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Manage all aspects of written discovery, including drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
• Represent clients at court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• In collaboration with senior attorneys and clients, develop litigation strategies in identifying key issues, evaluating risk, and driving matters toward favorable outcomes.
• Maintain regular communication with clients, providing clear case assessments, litigation updates, and strategic recommendations.
• Work closely with attorneys across offices on complex matters involving general liability, premises liability, transportation, and insurance‑related claims.
• Assist with trial preparation, including witness preparation, exhibit development, and coordination with experts.
• Collaborate other attorneys, paralegals, and litigation support staff to ensure efficient case management.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in Arizona; California or Nevada is a plus
• 2+ years of defense litigation experience
• Experience with litigation involving general liability, commercial litigation, personal injury, or trucking/transportation
• Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions a must
• Superior analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Sophisticated technical skills necessary
• Handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience 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 [e-mail].

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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