Wilsonelserattorneys

Appeals and Complex Motions Associate Attorney

New York, New York March 7, 2026 Greenhouse

Wilson Elser is a leading defense litigation law firm with more than 1400 attorneys in 46 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. 

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 Appeals and Complex Motions Associate Attorney position in our New York City Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

Wilson Elser is seeking a talented and motivated Appeals and Complex Motions Associate Attorney to join our dynamic legal team. This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of appellate matters, providing the chance to grow within the appellate practice and eventually take on more complex tasks as experience builds.

Key Responsibilities

  • Handle the full spectrum of appellate cases, from start to finish.
  • Draft appellate motions and applications, including but not limited to motions to dismiss and for extension requests.
  • Negotiate stipulations with other parties relating to appellate issues such as briefing schedules and the content of appellate records.
  • Conduct ad hoc legal research for the firm’s various trial teams, assisting with ongoing litigation.
  • Provide motion assistance to trial teams, including motions in limine (MILs), summary judgment motions (SJ) of varying complexity, and post-trial motions.

Qualifications

  • JD from an accredited law school
  • Admitted to practice in New York, NJ bar admission a plus.
  • 1-3 years of defense litigation experience.
  • Civil litigation background preferred, with appellate experience being highly desirable.
  • Exceptional legal writing skills required.
  • Strong analytical and research abilities.

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:
$130,000—$150,000 USD

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. 
Wilson Elser endeavors to make the Wilson Elser website accessible to any and all users.  You may review our Accessibility Policy here.
California Residents may review our CCPA notice for applicants and employees here.

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How to Get Hired at Wilson Elser - Attorneys

  • Confirm your bar admission status matches the specific office location before applying — this is the single most common disqualifier for attorney roles at Wilson Elser, and applying to a jurisdiction where you lack admission wastes both your time and theirs
  • Quantify your litigation experience with specific metrics (caseload size, depositions, motions, trials) in your resume — Wilson Elser's high-volume defense model means they need attorneys who can demonstrate capacity for substantial caseloads from day one
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