General Liability Associate Attorney

General Liability Associate AttorneyAt 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.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 attorney looking for a long-term opportunity where you can grow, take ownership of your work, and be valued as part of a collaborative team, we invite you to apply for our General Liability Litigation Attorney position in our Columbia, South Carolina office.This position may be structured at the Associate, depending on experience. We welcome candidates with 3+ years of litigation experience, as well as more senior attorneys who are comfortable independently managing complex defense matters.This position offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement.The PositionThis 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, hospitality/recreation liability, products liability, trucking, auto defense, and other complex civil defense matters.Attorneys earlier in their careers will have the opportunity to build on their litigation foundation through meaningful case work, mentorship, court appearances, depositions, motion practice, mediations, and direct client interaction. More senior candidates will have the opportunity to take on greater autonomy, manage complex matters, develop case strategy, work closely with clients and carriers, and gain hands-on trial experience.The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, excellent analytical and writing skills, and the ability to manage cases from inception through resolution as part of a collaborative team.Key ResponsibilitiesDraft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, discovery, and other legal documentsHandle court appearances, depositions, mediations, and other litigation eventsManage a litigation caseload as part of a collaborative team, with level of independence based on experienceDevelop case strategy, evaluate liability and damages, and work toward efficient resolution of mattersCommunicate with clients, carriers, experts, opposing counsel, and witnessesPrepare status reports, case evaluations, and other client-facing updatesCollaborate with attorneys across offices and practice areas, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environmentFor senior candidates, independently manage complex matters and help mentor more junior attorneys, as appropriateQualificationsJD from an ABA-accredited law schoolAdmitted to practice in South Carolina3+ years of litigation experience requiredDefense litigation experience strongly preferredExperience with general liability, transportation, catastrophic injury, premises liability, construction-related injury, hospitality/recreation liability, products liability, trucking, auto defense, and/or other complex civil defense matters welcomeExperience drafting discovery, pleadings, dispositive motions, and pretrial motions requiredExperience handling court appearances, depositions, mediations, and expert discovery preferredExperience cross-examining plaintiffs, fact witnesses, and/or experts preferredTrial or second-chair trial experience a plusSuperior analytical, writing, and communication skillsStrong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlinesAbility to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environmentWhy Join Wilson Elser?Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partnersCollaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional developmentAdvancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firmHybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work-life balanceComprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverageAdditional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits