Overview
This role involves managing all aspects of workers’ compensation cases with varying complexity and providing litigation and legal advice across the organization. The position requires high-quality, proactive case handling using legal expertise and litigation skills to independently manage a caseload of moderate exposure cases and standard litigation matters, delivering optimal results.
Responsibilities
- Manage the entire legal process for assigned workers’ compensation matters, including investigation, discovery, trial preparation, court proceedings, depositions, site inspections, hearings, trials, and settlement negotiations with minimal supervision.
- Litigate workers’ compensation cases in California before state and federal courts, administrative boards, Court of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court.
- Represent the organization, its related entities, and insureds in various legal forums.
- Assist in premium audit disputes and subpoenas or third-party discovery.
- Analyze legal and factual issues, conduct extensive legal research, and develop defense strategies independently.
- Ensure prompt, efficient, and effective disposition of assigned cases.
- Provide accurate legal analysis and strategic recommendations to clients and claims personnel.
- Monitor and communicate updates on new legislation, regulations, court decisions, and proceedings.
- Deliver strategic legal advice and implement cost-effective, efficient plans of action.
- Assess law and facts continuously and recommend timely resolutions.
- Analyze referrals from claims to determine the need for outside investigation or additional information.
- Communicate effectively with clients and claims professionals on legal and factual issues.
- Develop appropriate legal strategies for all litigation stages and share them with claims personnel and clients.
- Direct paralegals and legal support staff in their duties related to assigned matters.
- Ensure timely filing of pleadings, motions, and other legal documents.
- Build and maintain internal and external client relationships with a customer-centric focus.
- Adhere to all organizational policies and the California Rules of Professional Conduct.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- No direct supervisory responsibilities.
- Provide direction to support staff including assistants and paralegals by assigning and reviewing work, approving legal documents, delegating tasks, and mentoring to ensure quality legal services.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university required.
- Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school required.
- Minimum 5 to 8 years of workers’ compensation litigation experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications and Licenses
- Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
- No history of public or private disciplinary actions.
Knowledge and Skills
- Proficient knowledge of California workers’ compensation litigation, including administrative rules, procedures, laws, and statutes.
- Familiarity with business legal principles and billing practices preferred.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, strong work ethic, and initiative.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal documents, technical materials, and medical records.
- Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
- Ability to respond effectively to inquiries from clients, regulatory agencies, and legal professionals.
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe, PowerPoint, and ability to learn proprietary applications.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including mathematical concepts.
- Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
Physical Requirements
- Office environment with no unusual physical demands.
- Regularly required to sit, walk, stand, talk, and hear.
Work Environment
- Office and court settings.
- Frequent use of computer, telephone, copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment.
- Travel to various court and business locations required.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $119,748.71 - $201,947.98 (exclusive of benefits and potential bonuses).
- Final salary determined by experience, education, and location.
- Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision plans, 401(k) with company match.
- Bonus potential.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Support for continued learning and professional development.
Additional Information
- Employment sponsorship is not offered for this position.
Location
- Headquartered in San Diego with regional offices throughout the United States.
Equal Opportunity
The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.