Overview
Associate Staff Attorney (LM08AE)
The organization is seeking an early-career Associate Attorney to join its California Workers’ Compensation team. This role is designed for an attorney who wants to build strong litigation skills, deepen their understanding of California workers’ compensation law, and grow within a collaborative in-house legal environment.
This position represents the organization and its policyholders in workers’ compensation matters from inception through resolution. Associate Attorneys manage their own caseloads with support and mentorship from management and experienced attorneys.
Responsibilities
- Handle California workers’ compensation defense matters under the guidance of experienced attorneys.
- Contribute to case strategy development through factual investigation, legal research, file analysis, and practical risk evaluation.
- Draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, settlement documents, and petitions with appropriate supervision and feedback.
- Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, trials, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
- Communicate case status, legal analysis, recommendations, and next steps to Claims Partners and internal stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
- Strengthen litigation skills while developing toward full ownership of case management responsibilities.
- Coordinate with opposing counsel, WCAB staff, experts, and external vendors consistent with office procedures and case strategy.
- Participate in team huddles, case roundtables, file reviews, and strategy discussions.
- Stay current on changes in California workers’ compensation law, WCAB procedures, and legal technology; maintain continuing legal education as required.
Qualifications
- Associate Attorney: 0–2 years of legal practice experience, including internships, clerkships, early litigation exposure, or comparable legal experience. California workers’ compensation experience is helpful but not required.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in California and member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral communication skills.
- Legal internship, law clerkship, or early-career litigation experience preferred.
- Familiarity with workers’ compensation, insurance defense, civil litigation, or insurance-related matters is helpful but not required.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and develop toward independent case handling with appropriate guidance.
- Professional, client-focused communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a matrixed legal and claims environment.
- Comfort working in a primarily remote environment and using technology to support a paperless legal practice.
Preferred Qualifications
- Early-career litigation experience.
- Familiarity with workers’ compensation, insurance defense, civil litigation, or insurance-related matters.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual base pay range: $84,800 - $127,200
- Annual incentive bonus plan (competitive compensation plus eligibility for an annual incentive bonus plan)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Generous Paid time off and company holidays
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
- Employee discounts and additional voluntary benefits
- Company-provided equipment, internet reimbursement, and role-related expense reimbursements
Location
- Remote within California. Applicant must reside in California.
- Coverage areas may include:
- Northern California—Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley
- Southern California—Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego
Required appearances and periodic travel may be needed based on case requirements.