Litigation Defense Attorney

Wilson Elser - Attorneys; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Flexibility

Comprehensive Benefits

401(k) match

Generous PTO

Health, dental, vision, life, and long

Corporate discount programs

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking a Litigation Defense Attorney for our Phoenix, AZ office. The role covers the full spectrum of defense litigation from case strategy to trial preparation, with a collaborative, hybrid work environment.

The successful candidate will have a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and Arizona admission, 2+ years in defense litigation, and strong written and oral communication skills. Experience with general liability, commercial, personal injury, or trucking matters is

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.

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.

Skills

Defense litigation

Court appearances

Depositions

Motions & briefs

Analytical skills

Written 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 ourLitigation Defense Attorneyposition in our Phoenix, AZ office.

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 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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