Senior General Liability Attorney

wilsonelserattorneys; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking a proactive Senior Litigation Attorney in Chicago, IL who handles general insurance defense matters with trial experience. The role emphasizes collaboration across offices, active participation in trials, and strong advocacy in complex cases.

The firm offers a hybrid work arrangement, meaningful cases, and opportunities for professional growth within a nationally recognized firm.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in Illinois.
• 15+ years of general casualty litigation experience.
• First and/or second chair experience strongly desired.
• Trial experience required.
• Insurance defense experience required.
• Experience in general liability, premises liability, products liability, construction, and transportation.
• Deposition and motion practice experience required.
• Superior analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage a litigation caseload, helping oversee cases from beginning to end.
• Actively participate in trials, including preparation, courtroom appearances, and trial proceedings.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations.
• Negotiate settlements and agreements on behalf of clients, demonstrating strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment.
• Draft case analysis reports to client stakeholders with an eye towards developing proactive resolution strategies.

Skills

Trial experience

Deposition

Motion practice

Insurance defense

General casualty litigation

First/second chair

Emerging e-commerce

Analytical skills

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Illinois bar admission

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 Senior General Liability Attorney position in our Chicago, IL Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

We are seeking a proactive and highly skilled Senior Litigation Attorney with experience handling general insurance defense matters, including transportation, premises liability, construction, products liability and general liability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background handling litigation matters, and trial experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively manage a litigation caseload, helping oversee cases from beginning to end
• Actively participate in trials, including preparation, courtroom appearances, and trial proceedings.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents
• Attend court hearings, depositions, and mediations.
• Negotiate settlements and agreements on behalf of clients, demonstrating strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment.
• Draft case analysis reports to client stakeholders with an eye towards developing proactive resolution strategies.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in the state Illinois
• 15+ years of general casualty litigation experience
• First and/or second chair experience strongly desired
• Trial experience required
• Insurance defense experience is required
• Experience in general liability, premises liability, products liability, construction, and transportation
• Experience with emerging e-commerce / gig economy legal issues preferred, but not required
• Deposition and motion practice experience required
• Superior analytical 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

Base salary of $190,000 - $200,000 + as well as discretionary bonus.

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

$190,000 - $200,000 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) mat