Senior Trial Attorney — Complex Defense & Strategy Lead

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

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.