What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Counsel, Product Liability Litigation position at Tesla Motors, Inc.?
What to Expect
What You'll Do
What You'll Bring
Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is seeking an experienced Litigation Attorney to join the Product Liability Team within our dynamic Legal Department. This role will represent and defend Tesla in all aspects of product liability-related litigation matters, primarily focused on vehicle products. The position involves close collaboration with outside counsel, internal legal teams, and engineering groups to develop defense strategies and mitigate risks. This position is based in either Austin, TX, or Palo Alto, CA.
What You'll Do
- Represent and defend Tesla in product liability litigation matters, managing and collaborating with outside counsel on daily activities
- Conduct factual investigations, analyze complex legal and factual issues, perform extensive legal research, and develop defense strategies for presentation to legal and business teams
- Draft responses to complaints, pleadings, discovery requests, and motions, including motions to compel and for protective orders
- Prepare witnesses for depositions and trials, ensuring thorough readiness
- Stay updated on current and emerging laws, regulations, and trends related to vehicle regulations and product liability
- Collaborate with engineering teams to identify improvement areas or risk mitigation strategies, providing counsel on complex risk and product development issues
- Represent Tesla in arbitrations and trials, involving some domestic travel, occasionally for extended periods
What You'll Bring
- JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school and membership in a state bar in good standing
- 10 years of experience in all phases of litigation, including first or second chair trial experience, with a strong preference for defending personal injury or product liability cases
- Experience preparing company witnesses for depositions or hearings, with preference for familiarity with software or mechanical engineering concepts
- Strong business and legal judgment, with excellent problem-solving, research, and project management skills for working with engineers and non-lawyers
- Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to define problems and recommend solutions confidently
- Managerial experience in a legal setting, such as a law firm partner or supervising attorney in a legal department
- Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a collaborative and positive attitude
Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
- Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
- Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
- Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
- Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
- Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
- Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
- Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
- Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
- Tesla Babies program
- Commuter benefits
- Employee discounts and perks program
- Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)
Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.