In-House Settlement Counsel

Overview

An established law firm is seeking an experienced attorney to oversee and support settlement operations across all practice areas. This role serves as an internal resource and strategic partner, responsible for standardizing settlement processes, advising on settlement compliance and accounting, and providing leadership to the settlement team. This is a remote position for candidates licensed to practice law in California.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support the firm’s settlement function across all practice areas as a centralized legal resource for settlement-related matters.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor the settlement team, including attorneys, paralegals, and support staff; establish clear workflows, roles, and best practices.
• Standardize settlement processes firm-wide, including documentation, timelines, approval procedures, and client communication protocols.
• Draft, review, and approve settlement agreements, releases, court filings, and related documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable laws and firm standards.
• Advise and collaborate with the Settlement Accounting team regarding client trust accounts, IOLTA accounts, settlement funds, disbursements, liens, and distribution procedures.
• Ensure compliance with state-specific laws, court rules, and ethical obligations related to settlement funds, client trust accounting, and professional responsibility.
• Monitor implementation of settlement terms, including deadlines, required approvals, and fulfillment of contractual and court-ordered obligations.
• Serve as a point of contact for attorneys and partners to provide guidance on settlement strategy, procedures, and risk management.
• Communicate clearly and empathetically with clients regarding settlement processes, timelines, and next steps as needed.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to identify opportunities for process improvement, increased efficiency, and adoption of legal technologies supporting settlement operations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California.
• Minimum of 7 years of litigation experience, with significant exposure to settlement processes and post-resolution matters.
• Experience overseeing or advising on settlement administration, trust accounting, or client fund compliance is strongly preferred.
• Management or team leadership experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of professional responsibility rules related to client funds, trust accounts, and settlements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe; familiarity with legal tools such as ShareFile, PACER, Filevine, Everlaw, Smart Advocate, Lexis, or similar platforms.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple complex matters under time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and procedural issues clearly to internal teams and clients.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $175,000 to $200,000 annually, varying based on location, experience, skills, and qualifications.
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• $50,000 life insurance coverage provided at no cost.
• 401(k) plan with 6% dollar-for-dollar employer match after probationary period.
• Generous paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or fostering.
• Dependent care reimbursement up to $3,500 per month.
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Monthly commuter reimbursement up to $100 for public transportation.
• Home office reimbursement: $150 for a desk and $150 for a chair (one-time).
• $25 work-from-home allowance each pay period for hybrid and remote staff.
• Up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement for professional development.
• Coverage of state bar and approved professional association dues.
• $30 lunch credit every first Friday of the month.
• Community engagement support including matching donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and encouragement of volunteer time.

Location

Remote position for candidates licensed to practice law in California.