Senior Litigation Defense Attorney

Wilson Elser - Attorneys; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision, life, and/or

Job summary

Wilson Elser in Kansas City seeks a proactive Senior Litigation Defense Attorney to join our national firm. You will handle a diverse portfolio of litigation matters, including general liability and contractual claims, with trial experience guiding cases from inception to trial.

The ideal candidate has a JD, Missouri bar admission (Kansas admission a plus) and 6+ years of experience, with strong written/spoken communication and the ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Must be admitted to practice in Missouri; Kansas admission is a plus.
• 6+ years of litigation experience.
• Experience in insurance defense, transportation, products liability, general liability, complex tort, or commercial litigation.
• Experience with motion practice, oral argument and depositions.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Legal project management experience is helpful.
• Ability to integrate into a fast-team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, from inception to trial.
• Represent clients in general liability and contractual claims.
• Collaborate with colleagues, attorneys and partners on legal projects.
• Regularly handle state and federal court appearances and depositions.
• Draft detailed legal opinions, analyses of issues and client status reports.

Skills

Litigation experience

Oral argument

Depositions

Organizational skills

Written communication

Team-oriented

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

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 Litigation Defense Attorney position in our Kansas City Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

We are seeking a proactive and highly skilled Senior Litigation Defense Attorney to work on our firm’s representation of a large international logistics services provider. The ideal candidate will have a strong background handling litigation matters, and trial experience. 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a litigation caseload, providing litigation support from inception to trial;
• Represent clients in a wide range of general liability and contractual claims;
• Collaborate and work closely with colleagues, attorneys and partners on legal projects;
• Regularly handle state and federal court appearances and depositions;
• Draft detailed legal opinions, analysis of issues and draft client status reports.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school;
• Must be admitted to practice in Missouri, Kansas is a plus
• 6+ years of litigation experience;
• Experience in one or more (preferred) in the following areas: insurance defense, transportation, products liability, and general liability, complex tort, commercial litigation,
• Experience with motion practice, oral argument and conducting and defending depositions;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Superior written and oral communication skills;
• Legal project management experience is helpful;
• Ability to integrate into a fast-team-oriented environment.

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.

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 CCPA notice for applicants and employees here .