Complex Liability Defense Attorney Ski Resorts

Wilson Elser is a leading defense litigation law firm with more than 1300 attorneys in 43 offices throughout the United States. Founded in 1978, we rank among the top 100 law firms identified by The American Lawyer and 36 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms. We’re also Mansfield Certified Plus.

Wilson Elser's Los Angeles/Orange County office is currently seeking a Complex Liability Defense Attorney - Ski Resorts to join a team of talented professionals in a collaborative, collegial environment. Our firm is committed to developing professionals who value each other and the service we provide through 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 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 an experienced attorney to represent and defend ski resorts and mountain recreation operators in litigation and advisory matters. This role focuses on civil defense involving personal injury claims, premises liability, risk management, and regulatory compliance related to ski area operations and outdoor recreation activities.

Responsibilities

• Defend ski resorts and related entities in civil litigation, including:




• Personal injury and wrongful death claims


• Premises liability and negligence actions


• Claims involving skiing, snowboarding, lift operations, and mountain activities




• Analyze and apply state ski safety statutes, assumption-of-risk doctrines, and liability limitations


• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other legal documents


• Represent clients in expert depositions as well as in mediations, arbitrations, and trials


• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices, contributing to a cohesive and supportive team environment


• Independently manage a litigation caseload as part of a team, working cases from beginning to end


• Communicate with clients and provide status reports


• Stay current on developments in recreation law, tort law, and relevant regulations

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school


• Admitted to practice in California


• 8+ years of civil litigation defense, preferably in general liability, catastrophic injury, premises liability, personal injury defense, and/or insurance defense


• Trial experience is required


• Experience in litigating recreational accidents and working with liability waivers is helpful


• Experience with ski resorts, mountain operations, outdoor recreation providers, or amusement operators is helpful


• Superior analytical skills


• Strong written and oral communication skills


• Legal project management experience is helpful

Why Should You Apply? 

• Flexibility: Hybrid work arrangements to support work-life blend


• Benefits: Outstanding benefits package, including 401k match and generous PTO plan


• Career Growth: Ample opportunities for professional development and advancement


• Employee Perks: Access to corporate discount plans and other 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 [email protected].

Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.  It is the Firm's 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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