Lead Attorney (Remote or Hybrid)

Overview

An established insurance organization is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join their California Staff Counsel group. The attorney will defend insured clients in personal injury and property damage cases, managing a caseload from initial pleadings through resolution by settlement, dismissal, or trial. This role offers autonomy, diverse litigation work, and collaboration with claims professionals and clients. The position is based in Glendale, CA, with options for in-office, hybrid, or fully remote work for California-licensed attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload primarily involving general liability disputes such as slip/trip and fall incidents, automobile accidents, and property damage claims.
• Independently conduct trials, depositions, pre-trial discovery, mediations, arbitrations, and other legal activities necessary to resolve cases.
• Collaborate with Staff Counsel colleagues and panel firms to prepare and try cases when appropriate.
• Communicate daily with insured clients and claims professionals regarding case status and evaluations.
• Provide legal advice and recommendations to insured clients and claims professionals.
• Negotiate settlements directly with claimants, opposing counsel, and mediators.
• Maintain paperless legal files.

Requirements

• Active license to practice law in California state courts.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience handling litigated personal injury and property damage disputes; defense litigation experience preferred.
• Trial experience is desired.
• Strong knowledge of California procedural and substantive law, including local court rules.
• Proven ability to analyze legal issues, develop effective case strategies, communicate regularly with claims professionals, document communications, and resolve cases efficiently.
• Hands-on experience with responsive pleadings, court appearances, motion practice, case valuation, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage a caseload effectively.
• Willingness to travel to courts throughout California as needed; remote or virtual appearances encouraged where permitted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with claims professionals and legal teams.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with a target hiring range that varies based on location, experience, education, skills, and performance.
• Potential for annual bonuses, long-term incentives, or spot recognition awards.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Flexible work arrangements

Location

• Glendale, California office with options for in-office, hybrid, or fully remote work arrangements for California-licensed attorneys.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process.