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 emphasizes lead trial work, strategic case management, and courtroom advocacy.

Please 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 and coordinate with insurance carriers and adjusters by providing clear legal advice, case assessments, and updates on case developments
• Oversee all stages of litigation, including:
  • Pleadings
  • Discovery
  • Depositions
  • Pre-trial motions
  • 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

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $160,000–$190,000 annually (depending on experience and qualifications)
• Annual billable hours bonus: ranging from $10,000 and 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): 100% match on the first 3% contributed and 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: $60

Additional benefits include:

• 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, such as 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.

Equal Opportunity / Notice / Recruitment

• Equal employment opportunity is provided without discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics or other non-merit-based factors.
• No recruiters/agencies.