Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

Overview

The organization is seeking a Senior Counsel for its Complex Trial Teams. This role focuses on leading high-exposure and complex insurance defense matters, with responsibility for strategy, courtroom representation, and litigation leadership.

Active bar license in the State of California is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex trials representing clients in high-exposure and complex insurance defense cases, including matters involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability.
• Develop and execute case strategy, including risk assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Provide client advisement with clear legal advice, case assessments, and updates to clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters.
• Manage litigation end-to-end, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations.
• Serve as lead counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations.
• Lead and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure high-quality work and compliance with best practices.
• Collaborate with expert witnesses (e.g., medical, forensic, engineering, and economic experts) to strengthen case arguments.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of California and eligibility to practice in federal courts.
• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation with strong focus on complex trial work.
• Demonstrated success as lead trial counsel in multiple high-stakes cases.
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize a large, demanding caseload with limited oversight.
• Exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong client relationship management skills and ability to communicate complex legal strategies.
• Preferred background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases.
• Experience with e-discovery tools and case management software.
• Membership in local or national trial lawyer associations is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $160,000–$190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Billable hours bonus: Annual billable hours bonus ranging from $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier.
• Benefits coverage: 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): 100% match on the first 3% contributed and a 50% match on the following 4–5%.
• Monthly technology reimbursement: $60.
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan: $100–$200/month for full-time attorneys after one year with the firm.
• Paid parental leave at base pay.

Additional Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate.
• 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

Office-based, hybrid, or remote options available.