Product Liability - Associate Attorney

Wilson Elser (Attorney Careers); San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Disability & life insurance

Job summary

Wilson Elser's San Francisco office seeks a Product Liability Associate to join our team of professionals in a collaborative environment. The attorney will represent sophisticated clients in complex product liability matters in state and federal courts, across manufacturers and corporate clients.

This role requires a JD from an ABA-accredited law school, CA admission, and 2+ years of litigation experience. A flexible, hybrid or remote working arrangement is offered, with opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in California.
• 2+ years of litigation experience preferred.
• Experience with complex litigation, class actions, product liability and product recall preferred.
• Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions.
• Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses preferred.
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience a plus.
• 2nd chair trial experience a plus.
• Superior analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments and offices to support a cohesive team.
• Independently manage a litigation caseload from beginning to end.
• Communicate with clients and provide status reports.

Skills

Litigation experience

Product liability

Discovery motions

Trial experience

Cross-examination

Education

J.D. degree 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.

Wilson Elser's San Francisco office is currently seeking a Product Liability Associate to join a team of talented professionals in a collaborative, collegial environment. 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.

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

Discover our newly renovated San Francisco office! Take a virtual tour and explore our building amenities.

The Position

This attorney will represent sophisticated clients confronted with complex legal challenges to represent manufacturers, distributors, and other corporate clients in complex product liability matters in state and federal courts.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents
• Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
• Independently manage a litigation caseload as part of a team, working cases from beginning to end
• Communicate with clients and provide status reports

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in the state of California
• 2+ years of litigation experience preferred
• Complex litigation, class actions, product liability and product recall experience preferred
• Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions required
• Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses preferred
• Experience handling court appearances, depositions, and trial experience a plus
• 2nd chair 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:

$150,000 - $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, 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 CCAA 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

• Download the E-Verify Participation Poster (English & Spanish)
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