Senior Litigation Defense Attorney

Pay: $180,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Step into a senior role with a nationally recognized Top 100 law firm — one that gives you real courtroom responsibility early and often
• Manage your own diverse litigation caseload from inception through trial across high-stakes general liability and complex contractual matters
• Benefit from the resources of a major national firm — first-class research tools, a robust IT platform, and a full professional support staff — without sacrificing a collegial, team-driven environment
• Access strong long-term growth potential and a clearly defined path forward within a firm that invests in its attorneys
• Competitive compensation plus comprehensive benefits including 401(k) match, generous PTO, and full medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Enjoy hybrid flexibility designed to support both professional excellence and your quality of life

Location: This is a hybrid role based in St. Louis, Missouri, offering a flexible balance of in-office collaboration and remote work — structured to support both your best professional performance and your life outside of work.

Note: Candidates must hold active bar admission in both Missouri and Illinois and bring 10 or more years of litigation experience. These are firm requirements.

About Us

We are a large, nationally ranked law firm with more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices throughout the United States and beyond. Our reputation is built on a culture of collaboration, rigorous training, and genuine commitment to attorney development. We handle sophisticated litigation across a wide range of practice areas, and we take pride in giving our attorneys meaningful responsibility and a strong platform to grow. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Independently manage a broad litigation caseload from initial case intake through trial, across general liability and contractual disputes
• Represent clients in state and federal court, handling appearances, hearings, and depositions with confidence and precision
• Partner with attorneys and firm colleagues on complex case strategy and multi-faceted legal projects
• Draft high-quality motions, legal analyses, client opinions, and detailed status reports
• Bring strong advocacy and analytical skills to every stage of the litigation lifecycle — from early case assessment through oral argument

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active bar admission in both Missouri and Illinois (required)
• 10+ years of litigation experience, with demonstrated trial and motion practice skills
• Substantive experience in one or more of the following: general liability, toxic torts, professional liability, medical malpractice, products liability, or transportation
• Strong background in taking and defending depositions, oral arguments, and court appearances
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Legal project management experience is a plus
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Why You Will Love Working Here

This is a firm that actually invests in its attorneys. You'll have access to mentorship from experienced partners, sophisticated work, and real courtroom opportunity — without the wait that often comes at firms of comparable size. The collaborative culture means you're never siloed, the hybrid schedule means you're never burned out, and the firm's national footprint means you'll be working alongside some of the sharpest legal minds in the country. If you're looking for a long-term home where you can do meaningful work, build your reputation, and grow — this is it.

JPC-1264

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Requirements: Must-have: MO bar license. 10+ years of litigation defense experience

• Nice to haves: substantive background in general liability, toxic torts, professional liability, medical malpractice, products liability, or transportation defense; legal project management experience.

• Preferred Years as Associate: 10+

• Additional context: Relocation- [no]. Packages - [no]

• Salary Bands (Only if attorney role):

• 10–13 years litigation experience: $180,000–$187,000

• 13–16 years litigation experience: $187,000–$194,000

• 16+ years litigation experience / near-partner track: $194,000–$200,000

Submission Email: Must submit to ATS and then email. Say ‘Also submitted via Greenhouse”

• ATS Link

• Login: justin@orionplacement.com / Orionplacement2026

• Name / em: Jade: Jade.Rodriguez@wilsonelser.com

Quick Recruiter Reference

This is a senior litigation defense role at a Top 100 national law firm with 46 offices and 1,400+ attorneys. The St. Louis attorney will independently manage a diverse caseload of general liability, toxic tort, professional liability, and related matters through trial, with strong courtroom and deposition responsibility. Hybrid schedule, strong comp, and genuine growth track.

Recruiters Submission: To submit, cancel - Senior Litigation Defense Attorney - Wilson Elser - JPC- 1264 - Source

**New Job Order Alert**

• Client job title: Senior Litigation Defense Attorney

• Location: St. Louis, MO

• On-site, hybrid, remote: Hybrid

• Experience: 10

• Good fit job titles/keywords for candidates: Senior Litigation Attorney, Defense Litigation Attorney, Senior Associate Litigation, General Liability Defense Counsel, Toxic Tort Litigator, Insurance Defense Attorney, Civil Litigation Attorney, Trial Attorney, Products Liability Attorney, Medical Malpractice Defense Attorney, Transportation Defense Counsel

• # of hires needed: 1

• Open or not to recruiters on TE: NO

• Job posting strategy (bottom of package details): Sr Atty, 10+ yrs, St Louis