Sr. Counsel, Product Liability

The Role

Tesla is looking for an experienced litigation attorney to join the product liability team within our fast-paced Legal Department. The Sr. Counsel will represent and defend Tesla in all aspects of product liability-related litigation matters, generally focused on our vehicle products.

Responsibilities

• Represent and defend Tesla in all aspects of product liability-related litigation matters
• Engage in factual investigation, analyze complex legal and factual issues, conduct extensive, legal research, independently develop, recommend and present defense strategies within the legal team and to the business
• Respond to complaints and other pleadings, respond to discovery requests, custodial interviews and document collection and review, prepare responses to motions to compel and for protective orders, and represent Tesla at hearings, mediations, trials and arbitrations.
• Prepare witnesses for deposition and trial and negotiate for the dismissal or resolution of cases at all stages in the litigation process
• Analyze vehicle data, work with engineering to understand the same, and respond to attorney demand letters with a summary of same in effort to avoid litigation
• Maintain knowledge of current and emerging laws, regulations and trends related to vehicle regulations and product liability
• Work closely with regulatory counsel on investigations with an eye towards potential for litigation. Additionally, work with engineering teams to identify areas of improvement, and provide counsel on vague and challenging questions that balance risk and product development
• Lead in management of outside counsel handling litigation

Requirements

• JD Degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Member of a state bar
• 6-10 years of experience actively litigating personal injury/product liability matters. including initial case assessment, strategy development, responding to discovery, drafting motions, mediation, arbitration, and court trials
• Experience in preparing company witnesses for depositions or other hearings
• Ability to exercise business and legal judgment with strong problem-solving, research, and project management skills and ability to work closely with business (engineers and other non-lawyers)
• Clear and concise communication style, both in writing and verbally
• Track record of working efficiently with a client-service focus in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Willingness to travel to depositions, trials or other key litigation events (approx. 25%)
• Pleasant attitude, sense of humor, ability to work well with others including non-lawyers, ability to prioritize your work to meet deadlines and get work done with minimal supervision

Preferred:

• Litigation experience in product liability, specifically relating to the automotive/transportation sector, i.e., automobile accidents and crashes
• Experience working for an automaker, auto supplier, or law firm supporting same
• Preferably, having an engineering or technical background, and/or significant transportation or vehicle experience
• First or second chair trial experience in catastrophic injury/wrongful death litigation
• Aptitude for and interest in vehicle technology
• Experience in e-discovery (Relativity)
• Responsibility for setting budgets and/or approving them, as well as responsibility for law firm billing and/or reviewing law firm billing
• A quick and flexible learner: intellectually curious, open-minded, adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity and risk, and excited by dynamic change
• Adept at and comfortable making complex cost/benefit assessments
• Inspire trust, forge relationships quickly, and earn the confidence and cooperation of your business partners

Compensation and Benefits

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical 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 Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary 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

$172,000 - $431,640/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay 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.