Principal Analyst: Litigation Counsel

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

Vail Resorts seeks an experienced and passionate litigator to join our team as Litigation Counsel. Vail Resorts has a full-service legal department that serves all resorts and lines of business throughout the Vail Resorts network. This includes a Litigation Team that (1) actively manages litigation and claims on a wide array of matters ranging from general liability claims to commercial disputes to government affairs, and (2) advises the business on pre-litigation issues such as waivers, health and safety, and dispute resolution.

Litigation Counsel is primarily responsible for overseeing and handling all phases of litigation, including initial investigation, pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motion practice, and even through trial. This often includes working with outside lawyers to litigate our matters but may also include supporting fully internal litigation efforts. Regardless, both our company and our individual lawyers benefit from our team developing and maintaining the skills necessary to be effective litigators and strong business advocates.

As Litigation Counsel, you will take ownership of guiding legal strategies from start to finish, partnering with internal teams, insurance carriers, and outside counsel to ensure aligned and effective resolutions. With a proactive and hands-on approach, you will work to identify and address litigation risks, create efficient processes, and help shape the legal infrastructure at Vail Resorts in a complex and fast-paced environment.

The Litigation Counsel role requires an agile and flexible problem solver, exceptional communicator, and team player who can lead complex matters, remain calm under pressure, implement effective systems, and guide the business on high-stakes legal issues. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Handling commercial matters and guest liability matters, which includes investigating claims, interviewing witnesses, drafting answers, drafting briefs/motions, drafting/responding to discovery, taking/defending depositions, conducting hearings and trial, handling settlement conferences and mediations, and handling appeals
• Manage outside counsel handling all types of litigation, including development and management of budgets and alternative fee arrangements, provision of guidance on strategy and tactics of defense, and direct involvement in cases, as advisable
• Become deeply involved and engaged with the business, supporting the Litigation Team and business leaders on litigation and pre-litigation issues
• Work collaboratively as a part of the Vail Resorts legal team to assess and mitigate legal risks, working closely with business and internal stakeholders
• Resolve disputes in an efficient and cost-effective manner
• Think ahead, see around corners, and help to prepare for and address issues that may create litigation risk in the future
• Proactively consider lessons learned for each matter and monitor trends in claims and litigation, both inside and outside of the Company, and advise and communicate regarding same within the Legal Department and with the business unit leaders
• Provide advice and counsel with respect to Company activities, processes, and documentation
• Conduct other litigation related tasks including effectively managing electronic discovery and legal holds, responding to subpoenas, and defending depositions of employees in third-party cases
• Adhere to, support, and promote the Mission, Values, standards, and goals of the Company and Team
• Other duties as necessary and assigned, including willingness to travel

Job Qualifications:

• JD from accredited law school and active state bar license required, with ability to be admitted to the Colorado state bar
• Minimum 4+ years’ litigation experience, including hands-on experience handling all phases of litigation, including the initial investigation, legal research, pleadings, motions practice, discovery, and trial preparation
• Creative problem solver with strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to simultaneously handle numerous varied assignments
• Demonstrated ability to work under high pressure conditions, meet deadlines, and to effectively handle urgent situations with patience and tact
• High integrity and ability to quickly build trust and maintain credibility
• Ability to succeed working both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong interpersonal communication and service orientation
• Commitment to professional growth, enthusiasm, humility, humor, and feedback culture

Preferred:

• Experience working in a sophisticated in-house legal department or top-tier law firm
• Experience working with public corporations, particularly in the travel and entertainment industry
• Deposition experience
• Experience supervising paralegals, outside vendors, and other attorneys
• Experience managing outside counsel and budgets
• Successful track record in written and oral advocacy, including in dispositive motions
• Experience resolving disputes through ADR, including mediation and arbitration
• First or second-chair trial experience.

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $135,000.00 - $160,000.00 + annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment for Broomfield-based roles where employees must live within 50 miles of the Broomfield office and work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  512547
Reference Date: 11/13/2025 
Job Code Function: Counsel