Overview
This role involves managing a legal team within a trial division supporting commercial and personal lines litigation. The position offers a hybrid or fully remote work schedule in Southern California, supporting the Newport Beach Trial Division office. The Managing Trial Attorney (MTA) will oversee approximately 12 direct reports, including attorneys and paralegals, and assist with operational management of the office.
Responsibilities
- Lead and implement standard methodologies, processes, and guidelines for the trial division, including providing training.
- Collaborate with National Practice Group leadership on performance matters related to specialty practice areas.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients and claims management.
- Supervise attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, including assigning work, monitoring quality and efficiency, and providing coaching, training, and feedback.
- Assess case performance on open and closed files; seek feedback from claims partners and office leadership.
- Manage a caseload, ideally no more than 10 cases.
- Assist in preparing business reports to support office management and provide recommendations on business decisions.
- Co-manage administrative functions such as expense management and collaborate with business operations to ensure adequate office support.
- Monitor and respond to office growth or workforce changes, including staffing, physical space, and technology needs.
- Plan and coordinate projects related to system and process changes.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
- Active law license in the state of employment.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant civil litigation experience, including trial and jury trial experience as lead counsel preferred.
- Prior management experience required.
- Expertise in complex legal matters.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and legal skills.
- Proficient with basic computer software.
- Effective time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to train and develop attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
- Strong leadership skills including motivation, influence, and problem-solving.
- Ability to prioritize and coordinate complex projects and cases.
- Commitment to ethical standards and compliance with corporate policies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing multi-line business litigation including bodily injury, commercial auto, premises liability, products liability, construction defects, and federal court actions.
- Familiarity with venues in Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial Counties.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $138,000 to $243,000 annually.
- Expected starting salary range: $138,000 to $206,000 annually.
- Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage.
- Paid time off starting at a minimum of 18 days per year, pro-rated based on hire date.
- Nine paid holidays, 8 hours of lifetime paid time off, and 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off.
- 401(k) with company match and company-paid pension plan.
- Business casual attire.
Location
Southern California with support for the Newport Beach Trial Division office. The position offers a hybrid or fully remote work schedule.
Additional Information
- This is an exempt position not eligible for overtime.
- Frequent travel with occasional overnight stays may be required.
- A valid credit and background check will be required due to fiduciary responsibilities.
- The role reports to the Managing Trial Attorney (8-2) and involves managing a team of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
- Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Employment agencies should note that unsolicited resumes will not be accepted without a signed agreement.