Senior Trial Attorney

Wilson Elser; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilson Elser's Dallas and Houston office is seeking a Senior Trial Attorney to join a national coordinating counsel team. This role focuses on premises and general liability with potential for development in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

The position emphasizes independent defense litigation management, strategic case development, and mentorship of junior staff, within a flexible hybrid work setting and strong client service expectations.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in Texas.
• 15+ years of insurance defense, premises liability, catastrophic loss, and/or general liability experience.
• Negligent security experience a plus.
• Trial experience preferred.
• Dispositive motion practice experience.
• Superior analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Legal project management experience is helpful.

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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written and oral communication

Legal project management

Trial experience

Dispositive motions

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Admitted to practice in Texas

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 Dallas and Houston office is currently seeking a Senior Trial Attorney to join a team of talented professionals in a collaborative, collegial environment. Our firm is committed to developing professionals who value each other and the service we provide through 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 be valued and empowered.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with premises and general liability experience who are looking to develop in their careers by joining a dynamic national coordinating counsel team. Premises security experience preferred but not required.

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 accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in Texas
• 15+ years of insurance defense, premises liability, catastrophic loss, and/or general liability experience
• Negligent security experience a plus
• Trial experience preferred
• Dispositive motion practice experience
• Superior analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Legal project management experience is helpful

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.