Senior Counsel

Overview

This role involves serving as Senior Counsel for an insurance defense practice in Orange County (Costa Mesa). The position requires an active California Bar license.

The organization is seeking an accomplished Senior Counsel with 8+ years of litigation experience to join its Orange County team. Senior Counsel will manage cases independently while partnering with experienced attorneys to strengthen strategy, support clients, and help guide less experienced attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling case themes and case strategy.
• Independently handle court appearances, depositions, briefs, and trials.
• Manage routine communications with clients.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing and future clients.
• Take a leading role in case work, including:
  • Depositions
  • Expert discovery
  • Dispositive motions
  • Mediations
  • Client and carrier relationships
  • Trial preparation
• Work collaboratively with attorneys at all experience levels.
• Provide leadership and direction to less experienced attorneys.

Requirements

• JD from an ABA approved school.
• Must be licensed in the State of California.
• 8+ years of solid litigation experience, specifically with litigation support, deposition and trial preparation.
• Ability to manage full case handling responsibilities, including all facets of discovery and trial.
• Ability to think and act independently and with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Experience with time management systems.
• Experience handling insurance defense matters preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling insurance defense matters.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $160,000–$190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Annual billable hours bonus ranging from $10,000, then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier.
• Comprehensive benefits coverage, including plans available at zero employee cost. Average annual employer contribution for health/vision/dental/life coverage is $700–$1,700.
• 401(k) program with a 100% match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4–5%.
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan: $100–$200/month (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm).
• Paid parental leave at base pay.
• Monthly technology reimbursement of $60.

Additional Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program.
• Comprehensive in-house training and leadership development opportunities.
• Firm provided CLE programs and paid bar license renewal fees.
• Flexible vacation policy for attorneys.
• Defined pathway to partnership.
• Internal diversity and inclusion programs, including the Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative.
• Firm-wide charitable giving program.
• Numerous social and off-site events each year.
• Flexible work model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available.

Location

• Orange County (Costa Mesa), California.