Assistant General Counsel - Litigation (Irving)

Job Description

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Career Area

Legal and Compliance

Job Summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an experienced attorney to join its in‑house Legal Services Division as Assistant General Counsel – Litigation. The successful candidate will provide legal support on highly complex litigation and investigations matters, including patent and other intellectual property matters, complex commercial disputes, and highly involved investigations. The candidate is expected to be familiar with complex eDiscovery, legal holds, high‑volume data management, case strategy, taking and responding to discovery, motions practice, trial experience, and/or appellate practice. The role will work directly with outside counsel on matters, including early case assessments, budgets, and review and management of outside counsel billings. The cases often require the attorney to work with Caterpillar attorneys in other practice areas or personnel in the Global Government and Corporate Affairs Division.

The attorney will be responsible for working internally with paralegals, engineers, the eDiscovery group, Legal IT and witnesses in a variety of roles, including matters involving complex data preservation, collection, review and production obligations. The attorney may also be expected to participate on cross‑functional teams with other members of the legal department, including intellectual property and government affairs colleagues. A successful candidate should be comfortable counseling business managers about risk management, commercial issues, and litigation or investigation risks arising from complex technical and regulatory matters.

What You Will Do

• Providing day‑to‑day legal counseling on complex litigation and investigative matters, including but not limited to patent and other intellectual property litigation, high exposure insurance disputes and complex investigations;
• Drafting, reviewing and monitoring pleadings, briefs, discovery, subpoenas, investigative demands and related responses;
• Managing complex eDiscovery workflows, legal holds, data preservation, document review and production issues involving high volumes of data;
• Working with paralegals and witnesses to develop cases for trial;
• Counseling business clients on litigation risks, as necessary, and providing training;
• Working with insurers and Caterpillar Risk Management personnel to establish insurance coverage and working with accounting teams on case reserves;
• Working with outside counsel and leading multidisciplinary teams of attorneys to develop case strategy in complex litigation and investigation matters;
• Maintaining excellent relationships with outside counsel and work to be a valued member of the Caterpillar litigation program.

What You Have

We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 8‑12 years of active litigation experience, including significant roles in litigated cases, experience managing complex and high exposure litigation matters, experience and familiarity with complex eDiscovery and high‑volume data issues, and a self‑starter approach to handling cases with relative independence. Experience with patent and other intellectual property litigation, complex government investigations, and large‑scale discovery or data‑intensive matters is preferred.

• J.D. from an accredited law school;
• Strong academic credentials;
• Membership in the State Bar of any U.S. State and qualifications for admission as in‑house counsel under Illinois Rule 716, if not admitted in Illinois;
• Familiarity and a strong background in complex eDiscovery issues, including legal holds, preservation, collection, review workflows, production, and high‑volume data management;
• In‑house litigation experience;
• Minimum 8‑12 years’ experience in legal practice at a top firm and/or in‑house litigation experience, with patent and other intellectual property litigation, government investigations, or similarly complex high‑exposure commercial litigation matters;
• Solid work experience and a strong track record of success as a litigator in complex, data‑intensive matters;
• Superior research, writing and communication skills;
• Superior analytical and problem‑solving capabilities; and
• The ability to work effectively and efficiently with outside counsel.

Additional Details

• The location for this position is Irving, TX or Peoria, IL
• This position is an on‑site role and will be performed from the office five days per week
• Travel is required, and the frequency varies according to the matters on the attorney’s docket.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for those who qualify.
• Sponsorship is not available.

Summary Pay Range

$200,640.00 – $300,960.00

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Health Lifestyle Programs*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
• Career Development*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• These benefits also apply to part‑time employees

Posting Dates

July 13, 2026 - August 16, 2026

Equal Opportunity

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.