Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

Overview

This role is for a Senior Counsel to join the organization’s Complex Trial Teams, handling high-exposure and complex insurance defense matters. The position involves leading trials and managing litigation end-to-end, with responsibilities spanning courtroom advocacy, strategy, client advisement, and mentorship.

Please note: An 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 strategies, including risk assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Provide clear legal advice and case assessments to clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters, including 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, including 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 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 the ability to communicate complex legal strategies effectively.
• Experience with e-discovery tools and case management software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases.
• Membership in local or national trial lawyer associations is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: $160,000—$190,000 USD annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Annual billable hours bonus: $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 for eligible full-time attorneys after one year with the firm: $100-$200/month.
• Paid parental leave at base pay.
• Monthly technology reimbursement: $60.
• 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.

Location

Flexible Work Model: Remote, hybrid, or onsite options available.

Additional Information

• No recruiters/agencies.