Managing Counsel, Product Liability Litigation

Description:
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.

Responsibilities:
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

Requirements:
JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school and membership in a state bar in good standing
15-20 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

Compensation & Benefits:
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

Expected Compensation
$212,000 - $342,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.