Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

Overview

Senior Counsel will lead complex insurance defense litigation for high-exposure matters. This role supports trial advocacy and courtroom strategy while collaborating with clients, insurance carriers, and experts. The employer is expanding its Complex Trial Teams and is seeking an experienced trial lawyer to manage matters from early strategy through trial and resolution.

Note: An active bar license in the State of California is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex trials and represent clients in high-exposure and complex insurance defense cases, including matters involving:
  • catastrophic injury
  • wrongful death
  • property damage
  • professional liability
• Develop and execute case strategies, including:
  • risk assessment
  • discovery
  • motion practice
  • trial preparation
• Advise clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters with clear legal advice, case assessments, and updates on case developments
• Oversee all stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations
• Serve as lead counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure high-quality work and compliance with best practices
• Collaborate with expert witnesses (medical, forensic, engineering, economic) to strengthen case arguments

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in California and eligibility to practice in federal courts
• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation with a 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, including communicating complex legal strategies effectively
• Background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases preferred
• 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 bonus ranging from $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier
• Benefits coverage: comprehensive benefits coverage offered, 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 50% match on the following 4–5%
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan: full-time attorneys after one year with the firm: $100–$200/month
• Paid parental leave at base pay
• Technology reimbursement: $60 per month

Location

Office-based, hybrid, or remote options available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The employer provides equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of 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.

No recruiters/agencies.