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General Liability Trial Attorney

Wilson Elser


Job Location:

San Francisco, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 250000 - 300000
Posted: 4 September 2026 (9 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 2 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

At Wilson Elser we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1400 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 Journals survey of the nations 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 Elsers San Francisco office is currently seeking aGeneral Liability - Trial Attorney to join a team of talented professionals in a collaborative collegial environment. 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.

This position offers a flexible hybrid or remote working arrangement.

The Position

This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with litigation experience who are looking to grow their careers and take on increased responsibility in a busy and sophisticated defense litigation practice. The role focuses on defending clients in general liability transportation premises liability catastrophic injury construction-related injury habitability products liability trucking and other complex civil defense matters with significant opportunities for trial work. The ideal candidate will have experience managing cases from intake through trial. This position offers a collaborative and dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of legal matters including in-court trial experience.

Discover our newly renovated San Francisco office! Take a virtual tour and explore our building amenities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Take and defend key fact and expert witness depositions cover pretrial and trial appearances as first chair manage and argue significant pretrial and trial motions.
  • Manage a litigation caseload as part of a collaborative team with level of independence based on experience
  • Develop case strategy evaluate liability and damages and work toward efficient resolution of matters
  • Communicate with clients carriers experts opposing counsel and witnesses
  • Prepare status reports case evaluations and other client-facing updates
  • Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice areas contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment
  • For senior candidates independently manage complex matters and help mentor more junior attorneys as appropriate

Qualifications

  • JD from an ABA accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in the state of California
  • 8 years of defense litigation experience preferred
  • Demonstrated trial experience with catastrophic injury product liability construction defect habitability transportation or other general liability matters
  • Experience appearing in court for motions hearings depositions and trials
  • Experience drafting discovery and pretrial motions required
  • Experience cross-examining plaintiffs and other fact witnesses preferred
  • Superior analytical skills
  • Strong written and oral communication 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:

$250000 - $300000 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) 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 .
Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firms 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.
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California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.

Required Experience:

IC