Senior Litigation Defense Attorney

Wilson Elser (Attorney Careers); St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous PTO

401(k) match

Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage

Corporate discount programs

Employee benefits

Job summary

Wilson Elser is seeking a motivated Senior Litigation Defense Attorney for their St. Louis office. This role is designed for those looking to manage diverse litigation cases while enjoying a flexible hybrid work environment.

Candidates should possess a Juris Doctor and active admission to practice in Missouri and Illinois, along with at least 10 years of litigation experience in general liability and related fields. Join Wilson Elser to thrive in a collaborative, dynamic culture with numerous opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Active admission to practice in Missouri and Illinois.
• 10+ years of litigation experience.
• Experience in general liability, toxic torts, and medical malpractice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a diverse litigation caseload from inception through trial.
• Represent clients in a range of general liability and contractual matters.
• Draft legal analyses, motions, and client status reports.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal analysis

Oral arguments

Deposition skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

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 #36 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 dedicated to attracting and retaining talented professionals who value collaboration, exceptional client service, innovation, and a strong team culture. We are seeking a motivated Senior Litigation Defense Attorney who is looking for a long-term opportunity to grow professionally, take on meaningful work, and be supported in a dynamic and collegial environment within our St. Louis office.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement designed to support both professional success and work‑life balance.

Position Overview

What You’ll Do

• Independently manage a diverse litigation caseload from inception through trial;
• Represent clients in a broad range of general liability and contractual matters;
• Partner closely with attorneys and colleagues on complex legal projects and case strategy;
• Handle state and federal court appearances, hearings, and depositions;
• Draft legal analyses, motions, opinions, and detailed client status reports.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school;
• Active admission to practice in Missouri and Illinois;
• 10+ years of litigation experience;
• Experience in one or more of the following preferred areas: general liability, toxic torts, professional liability, medical malpractice, products liability, and transportation
• Strong experience with motion practice, oral arguments, and taking and defending depositions;
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills;
• Legal project management experience is a plus;
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced, 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 applicant's 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.

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