Senior Defense Litigation Attorney

Wilson Elser (Attorney Careers); Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Wilson Elser's Austin office is seeking a Senior Defense Litigation Attorney with experience in general liability, premises, products, construction, transportation, or insurance. This role targets attorneys with 8+ years of defense litigation and offers exposure to prominent national clients and substantial matters.

You will work directly with in-house counsel, interact with clients, collaborate across offices, and mentor junior attorneys.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the state of Texas.
• 8+ years of defense litigation experience.
• Experience with general liability, premises, products, transportation, construction, or insurance preferred.
• Superior analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Sophisticated technical skills necessary.
• First chair trial experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a complex defense litigation caseload from inception through resolution, including trial, mediation, or negotiated settlement.
• Develop and implement case strategy, including early case assessment, motion practice, discovery planning, and trial preparation.
• Draft and argue substantive motions, pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda in state and federal courts.
• Take and defend depositions, manage written discovery, and work with expert witnesses.
• Represent clients at court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Provide strategic legal advice and regular case status updates to clients and in-house counsel.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Trial experience

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.

Wilson Elser’s Austin office is currently seeking a Senior Defense Litigation Attorneywith experience in general liability, premises, products, construction, transportation, or insurance. This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with 8+ years of litigation experience, to grow in their careers with exposure to a wide variety of prominent national clients and by taking on substantial litigation responsibilities. Working directly with in-house counsel, the attorney in this role will have the exciting opportunity to interact directly with sophisticated clients that we represent, as well as with teams of our own talented, experienced professionals.

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 is a hybrid position offering great flexibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a complex defense litigation caseload from inception through resolution, including trial, mediation, or negotiated settlement
• Develop and implement case strategy, including early case assessment, motion practice, discovery planning, and trial preparation
• Draft and argue substantive motions, pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda in state and federal courts
• Take and defend depositions, manage written discovery, and work closely with expert witnesses throughout the litigation process
• Represent clients at court hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other dispute resolution proceedings
• Provide strategic legal advice and regular case status updates to clients, including in-house counsel and insurance representatives
• Collaborate with partners and colleagues across offices on complex litigation matters and multi-jurisdictional cases
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys and legal support staff as appropriate
• Participate in trial preparation, including witness preparation, exhibit management, and trial strategy development
• Maintain strong client relationships while delivering high-quality legal work and responsive client service

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in the state of Texas
• 8+ years of defense litigation experience
• Experience with litigation involving general liability, premises, products, transportation, construction, or insurance preferred.
• Superior analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Sophisticated technical skills necessary
• First chair 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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