Overview
A national insurance defense law firm is seeking a Senior Counsel to join their Complex Trial Teams. This role involves leading high-exposure, complex insurance defense litigation with a focus on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability cases. The position requires an active California bar license and offers flexible work arrangements including remote, hybrid, or onsite options.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex trials as primary counsel in high-stakes insurance defense cases
- Develop and implement case strategies including risk assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
- Advise clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters with clear legal guidance and case updates
- Manage all litigation phases: pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations
- Represent clients effectively in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations
- Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff
- Collaborate with expert witnesses such as medical, forensic, engineering, and economic experts
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in California and eligibility to practice in federal courts
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in insurance defense litigation with significant complex trial work
- Proven success as lead trial counsel in multiple high-stakes cases
- Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload independently
- Excellent oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills
- Strong client relationship management and communication skills
- Preferred experience in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases
- Familiarity with e-discovery tools and case management software
- Membership in trial lawyer associations is a plus
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $160,000 to $190,000 annually, commensurate with experience
- Annual billable hours bonus starting at $10,000, with additional bonuses of $7,500 per tier
- Comprehensive benefits including health, vision, dental, and life insurance with employer contributions averaging $700-$1,700 annually
- 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3% contributed and 50% match on next 4-5%
- Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan ($100-$200/month) available after one year of full-time employment
- Paid parental leave at base pay
- Monthly technology reimbursement of $60
- Employee Assistance Program
- In-house training, leadership development, and firm-provided CLE programs
- Paid bar license renewal fees
- Flexible vacation policy
- Defined pathway to partnership
- Internal diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Firm-wide charitable giving and social events
Location
- Position is open to candidates working remotely, hybrid, or onsite
- Must hold an active California bar license
Equal Opportunity
The employer is committed to equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.
Additional Information
- No recruiters or agencies please
- Attention to detail is highly valued for this role