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Habitability Associate Attorney

Wilson Elser


Job Location:

San Francisco, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 145000 - 210000
Posted: 1 October 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 29 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.

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 to our Habitability Associate Attorneyposition in ourSan FranciscoOffice.

This position offers a flexible hybrid or remote working arrangement.

The Position

This role focuses on defending property owners landlords property management companies and other clients in Superior Court litigation that typically involves habitability (mold code defects) Wrongful Eviction and Premises Liability claims. Our cases involve overlap with construction defect and often require navigating the rent stabilization acts to properly evaluate the exposure for our clients. The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience in landlord-tenant habitability premises liability insurance coverage or related litigation excellent analytical skills and the ability to manage cases from inception through resolution.

The ideal candidate for this role would also have strong familiarity with the San Francisco Alameda County and Los Angeles County tenant protection ordinance.

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

Key Responsibilities:

  • Draft pleadings motions briefs legal memoranda discovery and other legal documents
  • Handle court appearances depositions mediations and other litigation events
  • 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

Qualifications

  • JD from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in California
  • 2 years of litigation experience required
  • Experience in habitability landlord-tenant premises liability insurance defense or related litigation strongly preferred
  • Experience in coordinating inspections and working with construction building environmental or medical experts preferred
  • Experience with cases involving multiple defendants property managers contractors maintenance companies or insurers preferred
  • Experience drafting discovery pleadings dispositive motions and pretrial motions required
  • Experience handling court appearances depositions mediations and expert discovery preferred
  • Experience cross-examining plaintiffs fact witnesses and/or experts preferred
  • Superior analytical writing and communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines
  • Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment

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:

$145000 - $210000 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